Glenwood, Illinois – Morrison Container Handling Solutions, a leader in container handling automation, is excited to announce the launch of its new Swing Gate Laner, a compact, integrated lane dividing solution designed to simplify pack pattern creation and optimize space on high-speed packaging lines.
The Swing Gate Laner combines multiple critical container handling applications — turning, metering, and dividing — into a single synchronized motion. By consolidating these functions, Morrison’s latest multi-function conveyor solution allows packaging operations to form precise pack patterns before case packing, all while minimizing footprint and maximizing throughput.
This new approach to container orientation provides flexibility as SKU complexity increases. Unlike competitive models on the market, this approach uses timing screws to maintain positive control of the container, giving manufacturers a better option to maintain container control.
“The solution reflects our ongoing commitment to design innovative equipment that gives end users and OEMs alike a more efficient way to control containers automatically while taking up less space,” Vice President of Sales Dustin Lee said. “This dividing solution will help customers create more efficient pack patterns for variety pack and multi-packs in a more compact footprint.”
Built around a servo-driven swing arm mechanism and dual servo timing screw system, the Swing Gate Laner provides precise, coordinated motion control. Containers are smoothly rotated, metered to consistent spacing, and divided into multiple lanes in one seamless operation — eliminating the need for multiple machines to create a pattern prior to a case packer.
With the system rooted around timing screw technology, it can be customized to perform a variety of different container manipulations based on the application needed. For example, it can simply meter and divide or it could turn, group, or index. The machine is able to be programmed to divide into as many as six lanes, and it can be set to discharge a specific amount of container per lane based on customer recipes.
Additionally, by utilizing timing screws to provide reliable back pressure, companies can eliminate belt-driven laners that often provide line control issues.
“We wanted to expand our dividing solutions to be able to perform multiple applications into multiple lanes but retain what makes Morrison different: a dedication to positive control of the container every step of the way,” said Vice President of Engineering Ryan Finke. “Our compact, screw-driven platform is engineered for adaptability. Morrison timing screws enable container rotation during lane division and actively manage back pressure, improving overall line stability.”
Like all Morrison equipment, the Swing Gate Laner is built with a focus on durability, operator accessibility, and seamless system integration. It features stainless steel construction, Lexan guarding with integrated safety switches, and tool-less adjustment via for quick changeovers.
Morrison innovations focus on being flexible for what is to come, knowing customers are constantly challenged with adapting to new SKUs and container sizes. This system can retrofit to existing conveyor layouts to help reduce the need for multiple complex pieces of equipment on the line.
“Dividing and combining lanes is one of the most necessary functions of container handling on a packaging line,” Lee said. “We’re excited to offer a new solution that is adaptable for the current market landscape and will help reduce complexity in automation on packaging lines.”
Watch a video of the machine here.
ABOUT MORRISON CONTAINER HANDLING SOLUTIONS
Since 1971, Morrison Container Handling Solutions has prided itself on providing the best solutions in container handling and is excited to mark this momentous occasion in its history.
Founded by Nick Wilson, Morrison Container Handling Solutions is well known in the packaging industry for developing customer-focused, simple and innovative solutions for container handling needs. The company was started by Wilson to provide superior bottle handling parts and timing screws and has now grown to be recognized as the source for innovative container-focused handling solutions, even for the most difficult rigid or semi-rigid containers. Since its inception, Morrison has provided solutions for companies within the United States and internationally. Morrison is well-known industry-wide for attentive service to a wide variety of customers’ container handling needs – always with Support Built In®, the company’s promise to deliver quality products and support them 24/7, from initial concept to years after installation.
Continuing the legacy Nick’s son, Chris Wilson, has been with Morrison for more than 30 years and is now President. In 2011, Nick recruited his wife, Nancy Wilson, to bring her 25 years of Ford Motor Company corporate marketing and leadership experience to the team. In 2013, Nancy became owner and CEO of Morrison and oversees daily operations.
