For more than 60 years, PAWI has operated as a family-run packaging manufacturer committed to quality, craftsmanship, and long-term stability for its employees. But as production volumes grew and product diversity increased, PAWI faced a set of challenges common across the packaging industry: workforce strain, packing inefficiencies, and bottlenecks that limited machine speeds.
PAWI’s journey with IMPACK began with a simple question: How can we work more intelligently, more ergonomically, and more efficiently, without compromising flexibility?
Natascha discusses automation with Remy Fehr Head of Printing, Finishing & Handcraft
Challenges: When Growth Meets Legacy Workflows
Challenge 1: Packing Bottlenecks Holding Back Machine Performance
PAWI’s folder-gluer had the speed and capability to produce more, but the packing process couldn’t keep up. Operators struggled to match output, creating a recurring bottleneck.
“The machine could actually run much faster, but we had difficulties taking off and packing the goods.” — Head of Printing, Finishing & Handcraft, Remo Fehr
As a result, machine speeds had to be reduced, impacting overall throughput.
Challenge 2: Increasing Physical Strain on Operators
Before automation, operators manually removed products from the delivery belt. This slowed production and created significant physical burden due to repetitive and inefficient movements.
“Before we had the IMPACK system, we took off at the belt, which made production slow… The handling for the employees is significantly better now, with less movement and lighter movement.” — Process Manager, Amary Müller
For a family-run company prioritizing employee well-being, this was a crucial issue to solve.
Challenge 3: Rising Complexity from a Broad Product Portfolio
PAWI’s ability to produce everything from flexo-printed pouches to high-end folding cartons is a strength. But it also increases workflow complexity. Different formats, volumes, and production runs required a packing system that could shift seamlessly between jobs.
PAWI Process Manager Amary Müller inspects the finishing line.
How IMPACK Helped: Speed and Intelligent Workflow Design
Solution: Eliminating the Packing Bottleneck
With IMPACK’s ERGOSA semi-automated packing solution installed behind the folder-gluer, PAWI unlocked the full performance of their folder-gluer. Packing could finally keep pace with production.
“With the IMPACK solution, we achieved that. Now, packing is no longer the bottleneck.” — Head of Printing, Finishing & Handcraft, Remo Fehr
What used to be a constraint became a streamlined, reliable part of the workflow.
Solution: Dramatic Ergonomic Improvements for Operators
Operators reported immediate relief:
- Less bending and lifting
- More natural, efficient movements
- Reduced physical fatigue
- Faster learning curve for new team members
“With the new machine… I learned very quickly and I do it very simply. It’s not difficult to learn.” — Shejnaze Ademi, Operator
PAWI is a company committed to long-term employee well-being so this improvement was just as valuable as speed.
ERGOSA Operator Shejnaze Ademi appreciates the ergonomic improvements brought by the IMPACK solution.
Solution: Flexibility to Handle PAWI’s Diverse Product Range
One of PAWI’s main selection criteria was flexibility. With frequent changes between product types and run lengths, they needed a solution that adapted, not one that forced compromise.
IMPACK’s solution met that need by supporting:
- Single-product and multi-product runs
- Quick format changes
- High precision while using the vertical packing
- Compatibility across multiple gluing lines
- Faster Implementation and Operator Training
The installation and training week delivered both efficiency and positive energy. Operators were able to run the system independently within days, not weeks.
“After one or two days you could already operate it without problems… When we installed the system together, it was super fun, a great team.” — Process Manager, Amary Müller
For a production environment, minimal disruption was a major advantage.
A Foundation for Continuous Improvement
IMPACK didn’t just solve the packing challenge. It opened space for broader process innovation. With one bottleneck removed, PAWI could identify the next and continue optimizing their value stream.
“The journey has only just begun… You always find new points to improve. Automation has great potential, but you must find the right balance.” — Co-CEO Operations, Edoardo Finotti
This mindset perfectly aligns with PAWI’s Lean philosophy and long-term vision.
Edoardo Finotti, PAWI Co-CEO of Operations discusses process improvement with Remo Fehr, Head of Printing, Finishing and Handcraft and Natascha Doeme, IMPACK Director of Sales – DACH Region.
A Partnership Built on Efficiency, People, and Progress
PAWI’s success story is not just about automation. It’s about improving workflow, elevating people, and unlocking production potential that was already there.
By partnering with IMPACK, PAWI:
- Removed a major bottleneck
- Increased production speeds
- Improved operator ergonomics
- Enabled faster learning and onboarding
- Strengthened their continuous improvement journey
For a company balancing heritage with innovation, these gains help ensure that PAWI remains competitive, efficient, and people-centered for decades to come.