E-PAK Machinery Inc. - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
E-PAK Machinery Inc., established in 2001, is a privately-held manufacturer of in-line liquid packaging machinery based in La Porte, Indiana, United States. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing a full range of quality filling systems for diverse global industries, including food and beverage, personal care, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. E-PAK's core philosophy emphasizes customer-centricity, delivering quality products, and providing attentive customer service. They are recognized for offering comprehensive, long-term, and value-based liquid packaging solutions, catering to both small startups and large corporations with custom-built machinery.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
E-PAK Machinery's main business objectives include providing comprehensive, long-term, and value-based liquid packaging solutions tailored to specific project requirements. They aim to deliver reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness through continuous improvement and innovation in their products. The company offers manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic machines for various packaging processes, including filling, capping, plugging, labeling, date coding, and bottle handling.
Specialization Areas
E-PAK Machinery specializes in custom manufacturing a variety of in-line liquid filling systems. Their expertise covers handling diverse product viscosities, from water-thin to highly viscous or foamy liquids, and products with particulates. They also design equipment for hazardous, corrosive, or sanitary environments. Their unique value proposition lies in providing tailored solutions that can scale from small startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Target Markets
The company targets a broad range of market segments globally. These include food and beverage, personal care, cleaning supplies, industrial and agricultural chemicals, petroleum and automotive products, acid and corrosive products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paint, stain, sealant/sealing products, candles, molten products, CBD oil products, and e-liquids/e-juices.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
E-PAK Machinery Inc. is a privately-held company led by its original founding executive team. As of June 2025, the company is unfunded and has not raised any external funding rounds or made any investments or acquisitions. The estimated annual revenue for E-PAK Machinery is approximately $19 million.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
E-PAK Machinery offers a comprehensive range of in-line liquid filling systems and associated packaging machinery:
Gravity Fillers:
Description: Suited for thin, foamy products.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Industries requiring precise filling of low-viscosity, foamy liquids.
Key Features and Benefits: Simplicity, cost-effectiveness, ease of operation.
Pressure/Gravity Fillers:
Description: Capable of handling slightly more viscous liquids.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Products with moderate viscosity where precise filling is needed.
Key Features and Benefits: Versatility for a wider range of liquid viscosities.
Vacuum Overflow Fillers:
Description: Used for specialty filling applications, particularly small volume glass containers with low viscosity liquids.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industries using small glass containers.
Key Features and Benefits: Specific design for consistent fill levels in clear containers.
Volumetric Piston Fillers:
Description: Ideal for viscous liquids such as batters, sauces, pastes, icing, chunky fillings, and aerated products.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Food and beverage, personal care industries handling thick or particulate-laden products.
Key Features and Benefits: Fast and accurate fill rates for high-viscosity products.
Net Weigh Bottle Fillers:
Description: Ensure consistent product amounts, efficient for bulk quantities and high-value products requiring maximum accuracy.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Industries with high-value products or requiring precise weight-based filling.
Key Features and Benefits: Maximum accuracy, reduction of product giveaway.
Time-Based Metering Pump Fillers:
Description: Provide precise control for various products.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Flexible applications requiring controlled dosing.
Key Features and Benefits: High precision and versatility for different liquid types.
Molten Filling Systems:
Description: Designed for hot or molten products like candles.
Development Stage: Marketed and actively sold.
Target Market/Condition: Industries producing candles, waxes, or other products requiring hot filling.
Key Features and Benefits: Specialized heating and filling mechanisms.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
E-PAK Machinery focuses on designing and manufacturing in-line liquid filling systems that prioritize simplicity, cost-effectiveness, ease of operation, reliability, and versatility. Their equipment uses high-quality materials such as stainless steel and anodized aluminum for durability. For corrosive products, they utilize HDPE, UHMW, and PVC materials. Their machines incorporate microprocessor controls with program storage for quick changeovers and easy setup, supporting systems from manual tabletop units to fully automatic lines with 1-20+ fill heads. The company also offers custom engineering solutions for unique packaging needs and is ISO 9001 certified.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Tony Swedersky - President
Professional Background: Original founding executive team member.
Notable Achievements: Has been instrumental in articulating and upholding the company's philosophy of prioritizing customer needs, delivering quality products, and providing attentive customer service.
Key Contributions: Leads the strategic direction and customer-centric approach of the company.
Ron Sarto - CEO
Professional Background: Original founding executive team member since the company's inception in La Porte in 2001.
Key Contributions: Provides overall leadership and strategic oversight for the company's operations.
Chase Swedersky - Regional Sales Manager, Southeastern Territory
Professional Background: Graduated from LaPorte High School and earned a degree in Business Management and Sport Management from Indiana State University.
Notable Achievements: Appointed to his current role on February 14, 2025.
Key Contributions: Drives sales and manages client relationships within the Southeastern territory, contributing to market expansion.
Recent Leadership Changes
The company has maintained privately-held ownership and is led by its original founding executive team. A significant recent leadership appointment is Chase Swedersky as the Regional Sales Manager for the Southeastern Territory, effective February 14, 2025.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
In 2021, E-PAK Machinery employed 64 people at its 47,000 sq ft facility. The company expanded its facility by 30,000 square feet, which was expected to create several new jobs and retain existing employees. As of October 2025, E-PAK Machinery has approximately 51 to 70 employees, with an employee count growth of 6% in the last year. The company is actively recruiting for manufacturing roles, including welders and metal fabricators, offering competitive wages, health benefits, paid vacation, 401K with a match, and first-shift positions.
Company size and expansion metrics
The company's facility expanded by 30,000 square feet in late 2021, increasing its manufacturing, shipping, and receiving capacity. This expansion was projected to enable business growth of 10-30% per year over three years.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
E-PAK Machinery Inc. maintains an active digital footprint across several platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epakmachinery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-pak-machinery-inc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/epakmachinery
The company's YouTube channel showcases videos of their machinery, such as automatic gravity fillers and semi-automatic pail lid closers. Their blog provides insights into packaging machinery trends and comparisons between automatic and manual systems. E-PAK Machinery actively participates in industry trade shows like Pack Expo and West Pack Show for in-person customer engagement, product demonstrations, and networking.
8. Recognition and Awards
Industry Recognition
E-PAK Machinery Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021, highlighting two decades of manufacturing innovative and versatile liquid packaging solutions. The company is ISO 9001 certified, demonstrating its adherence to high industry standards and commitment to quality products and services. An employee, Andrew Hillman, completed his PMMIU Certified Trainer Course, an achievement highlighted in industry publications.
9. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
E-PAK Machinery operates within the competitive liquid filling machinery industry. Key competitors include:
APACKS: Offers various liquid filling solutions.
LPS (Liquid Packaging Solutions): Provides a range of filling and packaging equipment.
Inline Filling Systems: Specializes in inline liquid filling machines.
Other notable players in the broader liquid filling machine market include Shree Bhagwati, Filling Equipment Company, Adelphi, Haver & Boecker, Apex Filling Systems, Volumetric Technologies, Brothers Pharmamach, ACASI, Accutek Packaging Equipment, SupplyOne, Syntegon, and Tentoma. Many of these competitors focus on automation, precision, and efficiency for diverse industries.
10. Market Analysis
Market Overview
The global liquid filling machines market was valued at USD 8.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly. One report estimates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7.6% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 9.86 billion by 2032, while another predicts the market size to hit US$ 10.2 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing global demand for packaged liquid products across various sectors.
Key market trends influencing the industry include:
Automation: A significant shift towards automated and high-speed filling solutions for enhanced efficiency and precision.
Sustainability: Growing demand for environmentally responsible packaging alternatives due to increasing environmental concerns and regulations.
Technological Innovation: Integration of IoT technologies, AI-based packaging systems, and robotics to optimize efficiency and facilitate real-time process adjustments.
Expanding End-Use Industries: Rapid expansion in sectors like food & beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries.
Emerging Markets: Strong growth in regions like Asia-Pacific due to rapid industrialization and increasing consumer demand.
Customization and Versatility: Increased focus on customizable equipment to meet unique product and container requirements.
11. Strategic Partnerships
E-PAK Machinery Inc. collaborates with several partner companies to enhance its product and service offerings:
Change Parts Inc.: Manufactures bottle and cap handling change parts, storage carts, timing screws and kits, and provides used and rebuilt packaging machinery and installation services.
Oden Machinery, Inc.: Offers advanced liquid filling, dosing, and blending solutions, including scale & Coriolis mass meter-based net weight liquid fillers, closing machinery, liquid processing equipment, and blending systems.
Crandall International by Oden® and Niagara Pump®: Provide products and services in conjunction with Oden Machinery, Inc.
Additionally, E-PAK Machinery has strategic packaging machinery partners that supply complementary equipment and services:
Converting Technology: Manufacturer of pre-opened poly bags on a roll for autobag baggers, flat bags, wicketed bags, and automatic baggers.
Enercon Industries: Specializes in induction cap sealing and plasma treatment services.
EPI Labelers: Manufactures high-speed label applicators and machines for coupon insertion.
Nitrogen Generator (South-Tek Systems): Engineer and manufacturer of nitrogen generators for various applications.
PlexPack: Manufactures Emplex bag sealers and Damark shrink packaging machinery.
* Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery: Manufacturer of food packaging auger fillers and dry filling systems.
E-PAK Machinery also works with Frain Industries to provide filling rental solutions.
12. Operational Insights
E-PAK Machinery differentiates itself through its commitment to custom-built solutions, catering to the specific needs and budgets of a wide range of customers. Their machinery is recognized for its versatility across various product types, container sizes, and challenging environments. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including equipment installation, training, 24/7 technical support, field service, leasing, welding, machine shop, and fabrication services. This "one-stop shop" approach, combined with its ISO 9001 certification and consistent leadership, reinforces its competitive advantage in ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
13. Future Outlook
Strategic Roadmap
E-PAK Machinery is strategically positioned for continued growth by capitalizing on its reputation for quality, customizable, and versatile liquid packaging solutions. The company's 30,000 square foot expansion near La Porte Municipal Airport in late 2021 significantly increased its manufacturing, shipping, and receiving capacity, signaling a proactive response to growing demand and aiming for a business growth of 10-30% per year over three years.
Future initiatives include capitalizing on the robust growth of the global liquid filling machines market, particularly driven by increased demand in the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The company's focus on manufacturing adaptable machinery addresses evolving industry needs, such as the demand for bottling sanitizers, disinfectants, and various food products. Continued investment in innovation and research and development is crucial to staying at the forefront of industry trends. By offering a complete range of services and fostering strategic partnerships with complementary machinery providers, E-PAK Machinery aims to solidify its role as a comprehensive global packaging solutions provider. Participation in major trade shows like Pack Expo further supports its strategy for continuous market engagement and identifying new customer opportunities.
