Pack Expo East 2026 Recap

Highlights from the Show Floor
Pack Expo East returned to Philadelphia with strong momentum, drawing thousands of professionals focused on automation, ergonomics, and next‑generation packaging solutions. The event continues to be a key destination for manufacturers who want hands‑on demos and practical upgrades they can implement quickly.
At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, our RonI team showcased the latest in ergonomic lifting solutions. The show gave us a great platform to demonstrate updated equipment configurations, connect with decision‑makers across multiple industries, and discuss the material‑handling challenges manufacturers are prioritizing in 2026.
Our Booth in Action
Our booth quickly became a hub for conversations around safe, efficient lifting, with a constant flow of visitors stopping by to watch hands‑on demonstrations and compare options for improving material‑handling workflows. Visitors saw live demonstrations of our Expand‑O‑Turn®, Squeeze‑O‑Turn®, and VacuHand Pro Crane™ systems — including our new PRX battery pack we previewed before the show. Attendees were especially interested in how our solutions handle rolls, drums, and bags in space‑constrained production environments, reducing strain on employees while improving overall efficiency.
What Caught Attendees' Attention
Throughout the show, several themes stood out in our conversations:
- Injury prevention is driving interest — Many visitors were focused on reducing repetitive strain and minimizing manual lifting risks on the plant floor.
- Customization is critical — Many shared unique handling challenges, and our ability to adapt lifters to specific environments drew strong interest.
- Wipe‑down‑ready solutions — Food, beverage, and pharma manufacturers showed significant interest in our stainless‑steel lifters.
- Space constraints shape decisions — Compact facilities and tight workstations make small‑footprint, flexible lifting options especially appealing.
- Operational efficiency is a growing priority — Teams are looking for ways to move materials faster and more consistently while keeping up with rising production volumes.
Key Takeaways from Pack Expo 2026
Beyond booth activity, Pack Expo East reflected bigger shifts we’re seeing across manufacturing:
- Faster timelines + modularity — Demand for shorter lead times and modular equipment continues to rise.
- Practical automation — Many operations are preparing for more automation and robotics, but still need ergonomic, flexible tools to bridge human‑robot workflows.
- Compliance + safety — Ergonomics, operator safety, and regulatory expectations remain central to equipment decisions.
What's Next?
Didn't make it to Philadelphia? You can still:
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Schedule a demo with our team to see our lifters in action.
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Visit our Document Center to download brochures and manuals.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more demo videos and application walk-throughs.