LemuGroup has been on the cutting edge of developing automated converting equipment for a wide range of industries. The company, which boasts headquarters in both Spain and the United States, serves the POS-Lottery, labels, baking paper, plotter and vinyls, paper bags and envelopes, flexible packaging, and general converting markets. 

In the label and package printing market specifically, LemuGroup has engineered numerous products to promote the adoption of automation. As the workforce challenge grows in the manufacturing space, automation is ever-more critical in fostering success. 

LemuGroup is the recognized industry leader in the production of high-speed converting equipment, capable of single operator efficiency and robotic end-of-line packaging automation that serves a wide variety of label industry converting needs. These converting processes include roll-to-sheet, RFID, linerless production, high-speed diecutting, high-speed turret rewinders, modular converting systems, and roll mapping and label editing inspection systems. All of LemuGroup’s systems are produced with the ability to run inline or as an off-line process for maximum flexibility.

On the heels of successful displays at both Labelexpo Americas and Labelexpo Europe, LemuGroup is responding to the label industry’s demand for automation. Most recently, the company has developed the MiniCompact, an end-of-line system that serves as an affordable automation solution. This system has been designed to boost efficiency and productivity while operating with limited resources. The MiniCompact integrates Onebot arm specifically designed for automatic roll packing.

“Automation has allowed for converters to focus on what they do – converting,” explains Andre Beaudoin,  director, North American sales and marketing, LemuGroup. “The never-ending search for people who either do not exist in the workforce, or care not to work in general, has become lessened due to end-of-line automation. This means converters can be more fully focused on expanding their business and keeping their existing clients satisfied.”

In many cases, seeing is believing. LemuGroup has been a part of a widely successful initiative at Labelexpo to illustrate just how automation works – in real time. LemuGroup, alongside Martin Automatic and ETI Converting, showcased the power of full end-of-line, robotic packaging automation across their three booths at Labelexpo Americas in 2024. The goal of the three companies was to showcase state-of-the-art technology while addressing the biggest trends in label printing. The Labelexpo booth display combined the strengths of each of the companies as they bring high added value to the market. LemuGroup, Martin Automatic, and ETI Converting all manufacture equipment that can be flexibly configured, providing turnkey solutions to each specific project’s need.

Meanwhile, at Labelexpo Europe 2025, LemuGroup joined Martin Automatic, ETI Converting, and Lundberg Tech to display a live production line in Barcelona, Spain. The live demonstrations included non-stop web-automation, the best coating and laminating, and the best label converting machinery. This machinery worked in tandem with cutting-edge automated label matrix waste handling. The focus: show converters how automation can work as one integrated entity.

“With this collaboration, we are showcasing more than just technology,” states Iñaki Larrea, CEO of LemuGroup. “We are proving that it’s possible to deliver solutions built with the best modules on the market. We want to pass on to the customer the same confidence we have in this project. Running a real production line in such a demanding environment at a trade show is a challenge but also an opportunity to demonstrate the level of integration, automation, and reliability we are capable of delivering. LemuGroup has always had a clear vision, to offer customers the best technology on the market. We understand the need for companies to achieve fully integrated and automated processes, and that is where we focus our efforts.”

“Once the client fully understands how automation enhances what they do and how scalable, flexible, and truly affordable end-of-line automation is, the easier it is to bring this technology into their daily operation,” adds Beaudoin. “Once we have fully informed the customer on the benefits that are addressed and the fast ROI that can be demonstrated, they are very open to knowing about how this can be expanded on in the future. People fear what they do not understand. Once fully understood, the concept becomes reality, and the desire to integrate into daily converting operations becomes real.”

The possibilities are endless, too. LemuGroup’s automated capabilities can accomplish a wide range of tasks. “We can provide any customer the ability to automate any roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet opportunity,” remarks Beaudoin. “We can also automate all inspection in a single pass with roll mapping, which separates in spec product from out of spec product. We ensure good product is being sent directly to the box/pallet. We offer this aspect of the technology for RFID, prime label, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical labels, and more. Virtually anything is possible with our technology.”

According to LemuGroup, the technology is compatible with any equipment out on the market today. The LemuGroup system can easily be interfaced with any other OEM system, including printing presses, turret rewinders, sheeters, and so on. This makes adoption a seamless process.

“We partner with qualitative OEMs that allow us the ability to offer clients true turnkey solutions to virtually any application they are looking to address,” comments Beaudoin.

Price has historically been a concern whenever new technology hits the market. LemuGroup has worked diligently to ensure label converters – both big and small – can integrate automation into their facility. For example, the MiniCompact is currently running successfully at beta sites in Europe. Converters can utilize end-of-line automation to expand their existing systems into a multi-line feed, central automated system. The MiniCompact enables small and medium size converters to focus on printing labels, as opposed to the workforce dilemma impacting the manufacturing space. The new system also boasts a 2-year ROI. 

“Lemu has addressed economy by offering a variety of scalable options to address the clients’ price point concerns,” says Beaudoin. “Customers are clamoring to get this technology. The system is affordable and effective, as the beta tests showed. We are now formally rolling this system out to the global market, as it is ready for primetime action. Its simplicity of operation and non-stop production have proven what we intended it to be. Label converters from small to large all share this issue and require a solution. End-of-line automation is no longer a luxury, it’s a needed tool to compete in the market to ensure customer satisfaction.”

In the future, LemuGroup will continue to prioritize growth in the North American market. “The US market is our largest market,” says Beaudoin. “We have grown incredibly over the past five years since coming here and becoming the solution choice of US converters. We have established a deep rooted footprint in the US that will continue to grow and deepen. 

“Automation is here to stay and has now become the most needed piece of equipment in the pressroom today,” concludes Beaudoin. “As our need for skilled labor has diminished, the need for end-of-line automation that allows for complete roll to sealed and palletized box has taken over. End-of-line automation has now become an accepted competitive edge in label converting.”