Sheppee International is a world leader in hot ware handling equipment for the glass container industry, supplying advanced systems used throughout the production line.
Their flagship machine, the Speedliner, sets the standard for glass ware handling. And behind its success is a long-standing engineering partnership with HMK Automation.
For more than 15 years, HMK has provided Sheppee with expert automation and motion control products and support across multiple machines - including the Triflex, Speedliner 65, and Speedliner 55 - all built around Siemens controls and Neugart gearboxes.
Sheppee International Managing Director Simon Holmes shares how the partnership has delivered lasting value - supporting innovation, speeding up development, and helping Sheppee lead the market…
A turning point in motion control
Historically, Sheppee had developed motion control software in-house and worked with other external partners, but this approach came with its own challenges.
As the business looked to modernise its mechanical offering and push into higher-speed applications, it became clear that a more specialist and consistent technical partner was needed.
That’s where HMK came in.
Having already supported Sheppee across its machinery range, HMK played a key role in the development of what would become the company’s flagship product - the Speedliner.
Working closely with Sheppee’s technical team, HMK refined the control software and specified key mechanical components, ensuring the motion system met the performance demands of the new design.
Simon explained: “We were developing a new mechanical structure - the Speedliner - and as the software evolved, HMK were incredibly supportive and collaborative throughout the development process.
“Before the launch of the Speedliner, we weren’t really seen as a go-to business for high-speed applications, but with HMK’s support, that has changed.
“HMK didn’t only assist with the drives and controls package, they specified the mechanical components like the rack, pinion, and gearbox. That took a lot of pressure off our engineering team.
“We just explained what we needed to achieve - the speeds we needed to hit and the protocols we had to work within - and the HMK Team came back with a tailored solution that integrated perfectly with our network. That’s how the Speedliner came to life, and it’s now our flagship product.”
Proven performance in the field
One of Sheppee’s biggest successes with the Speedliner came with a key customer producing glass containers at speeds of up to 700 bottles per minute. The customer’s previous Lehr Loader solutions had failed to deliver by means of uptime, performance and the overall machine longevity expected of the harsh environment, so they approached Sheppee.
Backed by HMK’s motion expertise, technical support and Siemens technology, Sheppee offered a complete ware handling package along with the Speedliner 65 with performance guarantees. Confident in both the mechanical design and control system, Sheppee met and exceeded the customer’s criteria - delivering consistent productivity, durability and longevity.
The results spoke for themselves. The customer has since adopted the Speedliner across its operations, helping position Sheppee as the go-to name in high-speed ware handling.
Simon added: “The Speedliner has been a real success story for us. It’s helped project our capabilities to the wider market and supported our move into new areas like tableware and bespoke pharmaceutical elements.
“What really stands out is the strength of the relationship between our technical team and HMK’s. That, combined with HMK’s extensive product knowledge, has helped us put highly successful machines into the market.
“A key benefit HMK brings is their experience in optimising the motion control development side completely from an electrical and mechanical perspective - helping us reduce risk, improve performance, and get to market faster. It’s their best practice approach to the solution and the confidence we have in the specification - knowing the right product has been chosen for the job. The software is as reliable today as it was on day one, and that kind of consistency and supportability is hugely valuable.”
A partnership that delivers long-term value
Building on the success of the partnership, HMK is now involved in a new project for another Sheppee customer, while options are also being explored to expand HMK’s support and expertise into other parts of the wider Group.
The Sheppee collaboration reflects a wider approach HMK takes with OEMs - combining product supply with expert engineering support to deliver real, long-term value.
HMK Managing Director Gary Kitchin explains: “What we’ve built with Sheppee is a great example of how our model works - combining product supply with the right level of engineering support at the right time to help deliver market-leading machines. It’s a relationship that delivers real benefits for both sides.
“We are striving to be the best value supplier by matching our offer to our OEM customers’ needs, and we are regularly achieving this goal; put simply we offer all the expertise when you need it and none of cost when you don’t. What we offer are proven, high-quality innovative products backed by real world technical expertise.
“As Sheppee have seen first-hand, that means faster development, reduced risk, and machines that consistently perform out in the field. That’s the power of real expertise delivering real customer value.”
That value is echoed by the team at Sheppee. Simon added: “HMK stand head and shoulders above any other control systems suppliers we’ve worked with - they genuinely deliver on their promises.
“They don’t just supply products - they understand them inside and out, and they’re committed to helping us get the absolute best from them.
“HMK take ownership of the solution and that gives us huge confidence - in both the development process and the long-term performance of our machines.
“When I walk into a customer site and I know the equipment has been developed with HMK’s involvement, I immediately feel reassured. It’s a mark of quality and reliability, and that peace of mind is invaluable.”
Watch our video to discover how this partnership with Sheppee has delivered lasting value - supporting innovation, speeding up development, and helping Sheppee lead the market.
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