Shorter lead times. More SKUs. Tighter regulations. The food and beverage industry isn’t slowing down—and neither can your automation.
To keep up, OEMs and manufacturers need motion control solutions that adapt to high-speed production, hygiene-critical environments, and the growing demand for flexible packaging formats.
That’s where IMI Bimba comes in. With a legacy of performance in washdown-rated, food-safe automation, IMI’s modular and custom systems help food producers launch faster and operate smarter.
The Time-to-Market Pressure
The industry is shifting fast:
• 66% increase in SKU counts over the past 3 years
• $4B expected growth in food robotics by 2028
• 86% of manufacturers cite smart factories as a key competitive driver
Delays in launching new systems don’t just slow innovation—they result in missed sales, lost market share, and costly redesign cycles. Manufacturers need solutions that allow them to respond quickly to regulatory updates, material changes, and consumer trends.
Core Challenges in Food & Beverage Automation
Multi-SKU Lines
• Frequent product and package changeovers
• Handling different shapes, weights, and materials
Regulatory Pressure
• FDA, 3-A, EHEDG compliance
• Sanitary designs for CIP/SIP and washdown
Legacy Equipment Integration
• Upgrading without tearing down existing systems
• Supporting both analog and Ethernet-based systems
Efficiency Without Compromise
• Energy use, compressed air optimization
• Predictive maintenance to minimize downtime
IMI’s Motion Control Solutions for Food & Beverage OEMs
✅ Hygienic and Durable Designs
• IP69K-rated actuators and valves
• Stainless steel and food-grade materials
• Smooth surfaces and sealed bodies to prevent contamination
• Built to withstand high-pressure washdowns and caustic cleaning agents
✅ Precision Motion for High-Speed Lines
• Servo and pneumatic systems for exact product handling
• Real-time position monitoring for filling, sealing, or sorting
• Consistent performance across high-speed, small-batch operations
✅ Modular + Custom = Faster Integration
• Off-the-shelf components pre-validated for food & beverage use
• Customized modules to meet irregular formats or small-batch demands
• Scalable systems that grow with your production
✅ Smart, Predictive Systems
• IIoT-ready actuators with built-in feedback
• Condition monitoring for early maintenance alerts
• Lower lifecycle costs with fewer unplanned stops
Use Cases
Chocolate Sorting & Packaging
Product: IMI Bahr Precision Linear Modules
Challenge: Delicate handling of irregular chocolates
Result: 12% waste reduction, flawless alignment, support for seasonal product sizes
Snack Packaging Flexibility
Product: IMI Bimba Original Line® Cylinders
Challenge: Frequent changeovers between chip bag sizes
Result: 20% increase in efficiency, 50% faster changeovers, reduced product loss
The IMI Advantage
With trusted brands like Norgren, Bimba, and Bahr under one roof, IMI delivers:
• Over 150 years of motion control expertise
• Solutions tailored for high-speed food & beverage environments
• Fast engineering support for custom designs and compliance needs
Whether you're building a new line or upgrading existing equipment, IMI’s hybrid approach—combining modular systems with custom capabilities—helps you get to market faster while reducing risk and cost.
Let’s Build Your Advantage
Need reliable, food-safe automation that keeps up with your production goals?
Contact Scott Equipment Company today to learn how IMI can help you reduce time-to-market with motion systems designed for your needs.
