Packaging machinery enquiry checklist

Describe the product clearly

Start with the product itself. A short sentence is usually not enough. The more useful route is to describe the product behaviour in production terms: thin, viscous, foaming, particle-containing, dusty, abrasive, sticky, temperature-sensitive or corrosive.

Those details often shape the right machine category immediately and stop the shortlist drifting into unsuitable options.

• Product type and behaviour
• Any foaming, settling, particle or dust issues
• Temperature or hygiene requirements
• Any safety or ATEX considerations

Include the container, closure or pack format

The pack format matters just as much as the product. Share the container, pouch, sachet, tray or carton type, together with the sizes you want the line to handle.

If capping, labelling or sealing are involved, add the closure style, label details or sealing requirement too.

• Container or pouch dimensions
• Fill volume or pack size range
• Closure type or neck finish
• Label size, position or print requirement where relevant

Define the output target honestly

Suppliers need to know whether you want a modest semi automatic setup or an integrated automatic line. That decision starts with the target output and the way production will actually run on site.

If possible, explain the required rate per minute or per hour, the shift pattern and whether the machine must support future growth.

• Target output per minute or hour
• Shift pattern or production window
• Current versus future capacity target
• Number of operators available

Do not forget utilities and site constraints

A technically suitable machine can still be the wrong fit if the site cannot support it. Mention the available power supply, air availability, washdown requirements, footprint restrictions, access constraints and any existing machines the new equipment must connect to.

Photos, sketches or a simple line layout can save a lot of time here.

• Power supply and compressed air
• Available footprint and ceiling height
• Line layout or access constraints
• Existing machines to integrate with

What makes a strong enquiry

The best enquiries make it easy to understand what problem needs solving, not just what machine name is being requested. If you already know the machinery type you want, say so. But also explain the production issue, the change you want to make and the result you need the line to deliver.

• What is the current bottleneck?
• What result do you want: more output, lower labour, better consistency, easier changeovers or improved presentation?
• Are there any non-negotiables on the project?