There’s no doubt about it (and no end in sight): labor challenges are hitting manufacturers hard, with high turnover, safety risks, and the constant struggle to find and retain skilled workers. But what if you could reduce your reliance on manual labor — and do it quickly?
C3’s engineering team has been innovating ways to help manufacturers across markets, from bedding to furniture and beyond, reduce their dependency on manual processes while improving throughput and safety. Here are three easy-to-deploy solutions that can transform your line.
Case Erector & Packaging System
If you’re still manually forming and packing cases, you’re leaving major efficiency gains on the table. The Case Erector & Packaging System automates the process of erecting large, heavy boxes — even those big enough for bulky bedding and foam products.
Benefits for your operation:
- Reduced labor requirements: This system does much of the “wrestling” and lifting of heavy, bulky cases, reducing the number of workers needed and leading to reduced turnover and minimizing the risk of injury
- Smaller footprint, simpler training: Unlike bulky robot-based systems that demand intensive operator training and occupy large floor space, C3’s modular approach is compact and user-friendly. You get automation without losing valuable production space
- Future-ready flexibility: The system accommodates a wide range of large box sizes and can adapt to changes in packaging requirements without costly retooling, keeping you agile as market needs shift
When we talk to customers, they’re blown away by how much labor this system actually eliminates. It’s not just about automating box building — it’s about taking a job that nobody really wants to do and making it safer, faster, and way more consistent. Plus, it fits in a smaller footprint than most people expect, which is a huge win for busy factories.
Zach Wildenberg,
Packaging Engineering Supervisor
Take action! Redeploy your workforce with this solution – reach out for more information
Consumables Crane
Handling large film rolls for packaging — often weighing well over 500 pounds — is a constant pain point on factory floors. The Consumables Crane is designed to solve exactly that.
Benefits for your operation:
- Minimize heavy lifting: By simplifying the lifting and placement of film rolls, this upgrade dramatically improves operator safety and helps avoid repetitive strain and lifting injuries
- Maximize uptime with minimal space: The crane mounts directly onto existing C3 equipment, meaning you don’t sacrifice floor space or require concrete-mounted standalone cranes. This integration also allows easy relocation with the machine if you reconfigure your line
- Reduce labor interruptions and downtime: Instead of relying on forklift drivers who may not always be available, operators can handle film changeovers smoothly and independently. This minimizes line stoppages and supports continuous production flow
Before the crane, operators had to wait for a forklift or struggle with heavy rolls themselves — it slowed everything down and was a huge safety risk. With the crane mounted right on the machine, they can swap rolls on their own without breaking the line flow or risking injuries. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference on the floor.
Ben Matthews,
Senior Electrical Engineer
Chain Lift for Tamp and Roll Coater
Manual maintenance and repairs on traditional screw-driven tamps and coaters can drain resources and create unexpected downtime. C3’s chain lift technology replaces older screw systems, offering a more robust and streamlined solution.
Benefits for your operation:
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- Minimize maintenance headaches: Chains are durable, standard components that reduce the need for frequent and costly screw replacements. Less maintenance means more uptime and fewer unexpected stops
- Improve operator safety and simplify spare parts: Chain systems avoid heavy, awkward screw replacements and reduce the risk of manual injuries. They also standardize parts, so customers need fewer specialized spares on hand
Switching from screws to a chain system was a game changer. Instead of operators dealing with heavy, expensive screw replacements and unexpected downtime, they get a simpler, more reliable setup that just runs. It’s one of those upgrades that quietly saves them headaches week after week.
Alex Zirbel,
Principal Mechanical Engineer
Ready to Future-Proof Your Operations?
High turnover, labor shortages, and injury risks aren’t going away — but you can take immediate steps to reduce your reliance on manual work. Equipment enhancements like these don’t just improve productivity; they create a safer, more stable environment that attracts and retains skilled operators.
C3’s modular, flexible solutions mean you don’t need to overhaul your entire line to see big results. Start with targeted updates that deliver fast ROI and set the foundation for a smarter, more resilient manufacturing operation.