The Power of Partnership: Morrison + PDC in Shrink Sleeve Labeling Innovation

For over 30 years, Morrison Container Handling Solutions has partnered with PDC International of Norwalk, Connecticut, to deliver timing screw driven high-performance shrink sleeve labeling solutions for the packaging industry. When a leading food manufacturer wanted to debut an innovative new packaging — a cup with a straw integrated into a side cavity, PDC turned to Morrison to collaborate on something new that would completely automate the process.

The system combines PDC’s trusted shrink sleeve labeling technology with Morrison’s precision container handling equipment to provide uniform sleeve alignment for this unique package design. The result? A compact, fully integrated system that keeps production moving at high speeds while maintaining exceptional accuracy.

A Legacy of Partnership

PDC has relied on Morrison’s timing screw technology for decades, and over time, this relationship has grown to include complete product handling assemblies and custom orienting machines. Together, the two companies work “hand in glove” to deliver integrated solutions that help customers meet demanding packaging challenges.

“We’ve had a collaborative relationship with Morrison for decades,” said Neal Konstantin, CEO of PDC International. “We know we can rely on their team to deliver excellent, robust solutions which they will stand behind.”

This long-standing partnership is built on mutual trust, shared innovation, and a drive to engineer high-performance packaging systems that deliver results. From Morrison’s side, it’s more than just a collaboration — it’s a commitment to building meaningful OEM relationships that push what’s possible.

“At Morrison, we value partnerships that challenge us to innovate and deliver at the highest level,” said Chris Wilson, President of Morrison Container Handling Solutions. “Our work with PDC is a perfect example of how two engineering-focused teams can come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.”

The Challenge: Shrink Sleeve Alignment for a Cup & Straw Package

The new product from the leading food manufacturer required precise orientation to align the perforated window of the shrink sleeve with the straw cavity. Without accurate orientation upstream of the labeler, this alignment would be impossible — and would impact both consumer experience and production efficiency.

The Solution: Seamless Integration of Morrison + PDC Equipment

At the heart of the solution is PDC’s R-250 Shrink Labeler, known for its robust design and ability to apply shrink sleeves at high speeds with tamper-evident security.

Ahead of the labeler, Morrison provided a custom container orienting system equipped with precision timing screws to rotate the cups so the straw cavity was consistently positioned for perfect sleeve placement.

Key integration details:

✔️ Morrison orienting system mounted inside the PDC machine frame
✔️ Drives integrated into PDC’s main electrical cabinet for unified control
✔️ Compact footprint with the orientor enclosed within PDC’s guarding

Equipment Highlights

Morrison Container Handling Solutions:

✅ Custom product orienting system with precision timing screws
✅ Compact design integrated into PDC’s equipment
✅ Servo-driven for smooth, accurate rotation
✅ Full perimeter guarding

PDC R-250 Shrink Sleeve Labeler:

✅ High-speed shrink sleeve application
✅ Tamper-evident sealing
✅ Designed for flexibility and reliability

Customer Impact

Thanks to the integrated solution, the leading food manufacturer was able to:

☑️ Scale production to meet growing consumer demand
☑️ Provide perfect shrink sleeve alignment with the straw cavity
☑️ Maximize efficiency with reduced downtime and consistent performance

A True Collaboration

PDC and Morrison’s ability to work closely together resulted in a seamless integration and a solution that exceeded customer expectations.

“PDC was able to integrate the Morrison unit directly into the machine’s frame and enclose it within our guarding, resulting in a compact, fully integrated system,” said Konstantin.

This level of collaboration is what sets successful partnerships apart. With open communication and a shared commitment to engineering excellence, both teams worked in lockstep to deliver a best-in-class solution.

“Morrison is proud to work with trusted OEM partners like PDC,” added Dustin Lee, Vice President of Sales at Morrison. “Together, we help customers solve complex packaging challenges with custom engineered solutions that work in harmony.”