November/December 2020 - 26

THE PULSE
INDUSTRY
INSIDER
New M2 label applicator works with all sorts of
packaging options
ProMach's ID Technology brand has introduced a new M2 label
applicator that applies pressure sensitive labels to clamshells,
tubs, boxes, trays, bottles and pallets, as well as other packages.
Featuring a new onboard controls module with ProMach's
Titanium motion controller, as well as a new application module
and more, the M2 is a compact, easy-to-use, high-speed labeler
that maximizes reliability and versatility.
The M2 applies labels as small as 0.5 x 0.5 inches (13 x 13 mm)
and as large as 5 x 18 inches (127 x 457 mm), depending on the
application, at speeds of up to 1500 inches/minute (38 m/min).
Equipped with an optional rewind assembly, the M2 can reach
speeds of more than 2000 inches/minute (50 m/min). The
standard M2 accommodates a 12-inch (30-cm) OD label supply
on a 3-inch (76-mm) core and can be fitted with an option to
handle a 16-inch (40-cm) OD or larger label supply. It can be
changed over to handle a different package and label in less than
one minute, with no tools required and no change-parts.
The compact M2 labeler is only 28 inches wide, 13.5 inches
deep and 17.75 inches high (71 x 34 x 45 cm). Available in leftor
right-hand configurations to seamlessly integrate into existing
packaging lines, users can simply roll it up to a conveyor to label a
wide range of primary and secondary package types or hard-mount
this little labeler to a conveyor or parent packaging machine.
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produceprocessing.net
production, and the Cloud Hydroforma line dominates the soluble
pod rotary sector. Globally recognized for superior engineering,
package control and local field service support, the Cloud
installed base extends to North America, Europe and Asia.
H-2A wage rate to freeze for two years
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Nov. 2 a final
rule updating the methodology for determining the annual Adverse
Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) in the H-2A agricultural visa program.
The new rule aims to improve the consistency of the AEWR
and establish better stability and predictability for employers in
complying with their wage obligations.
Among the key provisions of the final rule:
* The current 2020 AEWRs will be frozen through calendar
year 2022.
* Beginning in 2023, the DOL will adjust the AEWR based on
the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Cost Index. The
ECI historically rises 2.5-3.0% annually.
* The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will no longer
conduct the Farm Labor Survey, which was the previous basis
for the AEWR.
These changes, which are similar to what was negotiated in
the House-passed bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act
of 2019, address stakeholder concerns about the potential for
significant and unpredictable wage fluctuations from year to year.
More predictable wage adjustments in the H-2A program will help
American farmers plan and budget for their workforce needs.
In a related action, the United Farm Workers recently sued
Duravant acquires flexible packaging firm Cloud
Duravant, a global engineering equipment and automation
solutions provider to the food processing, packaging and material
handling sectors, announced in November that it has entered
into an agreement to acquire Cloud Packaging Solutions from
Hearthside Food Solutions.
Cloud is a leading manufacturer of high-speed horizontal
flexible packaging equipment headquartered in Des Plaines,
Illinois. The addition of Cloud's patented rotary soluble pod
equipment and ultra-high-speed packet, pouch and sachet
machines to Duravant's portfolio extends Duravant's reach into
new markets. Coupled with their Mespack brand of robust stand
up pouch and stick pack equipment technologies, Duravant has
the most innovative offering of flexible packaging machinery
available in the industry. The strength of this acquisition enables
an aligned market strategy that will benefit customers with an
expanded set of value-added solutions.
Cloud is a technology and speed leader in flexible packaging
and filling solutions with an 80-year history of innovation. The
Cloud Performa line is the industry standard for sweetener packet
26 NOVEMBER /DECEMBER 2 0 2 0
and persuaded the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
California to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction against the USDA's decision in September to suspend
the annual Farm Labor Survey, which has been used by DOL to
set the AEWR.
It would not be surprising if labor advocates file suit to
block DOL's final rule on the AEWR; though how effective
such litigation would be is unknown. And because this is an
administrative rule, future administrations can work to undo
this regulatory achievement, as can Congress with legislation.
Plus, the rule does not address all the needed changes to the
H-2A program.
" We applaud the administration for taking this preliminary
step toward AEWR rationality, " said Western Growers President
and CEO Dave Puglia. " However, rules are subject to the whims
of the administration in office, and cannot address every need
of the farm workforce, which is why we will continue to work
toward a more permanent and complete legislative solution that
creates a more workable H-2A program and provides a pathway
to legalization for existing agricultural workers. "
http://www.produceprocessing.net
November/December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2020
