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Benchmark Automation to Unveil New High-Speed Lane Switch at PACK EXPO International 2026
Sep 08, 2026
STATHAM, GA, September 8, 2026 – Benchmark Automation, a leading provider of automated product handling and packaging solutions, will officially unveil its new High-Speed Lane Switch at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Attendees can see the technology firsthand in Benchmark Automation's Booth S-3648, where the company will showcase the latest innovation in high-speed product distribution and merging.
Designed for high-throughput manufacturing environments, the High-Speed Lane Switch enables both single-lane to multiple-lane distribution and multiple-lane to single-lane merging within a single platform. The system provides manufacturers with exceptional flexibility while maintaining precise product control in sanitary, washdown-compatible environments.
A key differentiator of the High-Speed Lane Switch is its non-contact lane switching technology. Rather than relying on side rails or lateral guides to force products between lanes, the system uses controlled motion to transfer products smoothly and accurately. This approach helps preserve product orientation, minimizes the potential for product damage, and improves lane balancing consistency at higher operating speeds.
"Manufacturers continue to push for greater throughput without compromising product quality or line efficiency," said Michelle Pournelle, Vice President and General Manager of Benchmark Automation. "The High-Speed Lane Switch was developed to meet those demands by delivering precise, repeatable product movement at speeds up to 350 feet per minute. We're excited to introduce this technology to the industry at PACK EXPO and demonstrate how it can help manufacturers improve performance across their packaging operations."
The system's high-speed performance is enabled through a series of mechanical innovations designed to improve stability, consistency, and reliability. A reduced end roller diameter, decreased from 11 inches to 7 inches, minimizes transfer gaps between conveyors and supports more stable product transitions, particularly at elevated line speeds.
Servo-driven motion provides accurate positioning and timing, allowing product flow to be evenly distributed across multiple lanes or seamlessly merged into a single stream without creating bottlenecks or uneven loading conditions.
Additional enhancements include a redesigned take-up system positioned beneath the machine. This configuration keeps transfer points fixed while maintaining proper belt tension, improving process consistency and simplifying integration with adjacent equipment.
"Our objective was to rethink every aspect of lane switching performance," said Oscar Perero, Mechanical Engineering Supervisor at Benchmark Automation. "By reducing transfer gaps, improving chain stability, and eliminating side-contacting lane guides, we've developed a system that operates faster and more consistently while providing gentler handling for the product."
The lane switch also features a new modular chain and rod assembly that replaces traditional welded rodded chains. Individual rods can be replaced quickly without cutting or grinding, significantly reducing service time and maintenance complexity. The redesigned chain system utilizes fully captured pins throughout the chain path, reducing internal movement, lowering operational noise, and improving overall machine stability.
To further enhance performance, the system incorporates a high-speed, low-noise chain design that supports increased throughput while reducing sound levels commonly associated with conventional lane-switching equipment.
"We're hearing from manufacturers that uptime, maintainability, and sanitation are just as important as speed," added Pournelle. "The High-Speed Lane Switch addresses all of those priorities. It's faster, quieter, easier to maintain, and fully compatible with washdown environments. We believe it establishes a new standard for lane switching technology."
The result is a lane-switching platform that combines high throughput, precise servo control, improved cleanability, and simplified maintenance in a single solution. By eliminating side-contact product handling and incorporating multiple mechanical advancements, the High-Speed Lane Switch delivers measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
"This isn't simply an incremental improvement to an existing design," said Perero. "It's a completely new approach to lane switching that gives manufacturers more control over product flow while reducing maintenance demands and improving long-term reliability."
Visitors to PACK EXPO International 2026 are invited to stop by Booth S-3648 to see the High-Speed Lane Switch in action and learn how Benchmark Automation's latest innovation can help maximize throughput and optimize packaging line performance.
About Benchmark
Benchmark designs and manufactures high-performance, low-maintenance, easy-to-operate product handling systems for food and bakery manufacturers, including distribution systems, automatic cartoner infeeds, shuttle and disk feeders, stackers, mergers, tray loaders, and slug loaders. Benchmark also manufactures the Southern Packaging line of intermittent motion horizontal form fill seal pouch packaging systems and the KleenLine brand of sanitary product handling solutions. Benchmark is a product brand of ProMach, a global leader in packaging line solutions. As part of the ProMach Product Handling business line, Benchmark helps our packaging customers protect and grow the reputation and trust of their consumers. ProMach is performance, and the proof is in every package. Learn more about Benchmark at www.BenchmarkAutomation.net.