RND Automation acquisition of QuickPouch signals aggressive expansion in pouch packaging machinery

RND Automation, a subsidiary of CAS Holdings, has formally acquired the assets and intellectual property of QuickPouch, marking a decisive expansion of its pouch-based packaging portfolio and reinforcing its position in global automation markets. The acquisition, finalised in February 2025, comes after QuickPouch’s parent entity filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in August 2024, making its technologies available for strategic buyers.

This move allows RND Automation to incorporate QuickPouch’s engineering legacy into its existing lineup of automation products, including the MiniPack, MicroPack, and Kanga Poucher. Over 300 QuickPouch systems are currently deployed across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods sectors, a footprint that RND plans to strengthen further.

What does the QuickPouch acquisition mean for RND Automation’s product roadmap?

QuickPouch, formerly known as Adaptive Manufacturing Technologies and based in Ronkonkoma, New York, gained traction by servicing the medical device industry, especially with its high-speed, precision pouching systems for IVD kits, surgical tools, and personal care items. Though its financial troubles curtailed operations, the core IP and installed base of systems remain valuable.

According to Aaron Laine, Executive Managing Director at RND Automation, the integration of QuickPouch products aligns with RND’s commitment to delivering innovative and scalable packaging automation. He confirmed that RND is actively working to modernise QuickPouch technologies and bring them into conformity with RND’s technical architecture.

RND aims to optimise these solutions for performance and ease of service. The plan is to unify customer experience across product lines, reduce maintenance downtimes, and improve automation reliability. This acquisition supports RND’s broader vision to deliver smarter packaging solutions in both regulated and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) markets.

How does the acquisition support customer transition and service continuity?

With over 300 operational QuickPouch systems globally, post-acquisition service continuity is a priority for RND Automation. The company has designated Mathew Boyd, RND’s Services and Spare Parts Supervisor, to manage support for legacy QuickPouch customers. From spare parts availability to technical service response, RND has committed to providing tailored support to address existing customer challenges, particularly for those who had limited service access following QuickPouch’s bankruptcy.

Steve Bostic, who oversees Sales, Applications Engineering, Service, and Spare Parts at RND, underscored the customer-centric strategy behind the acquisition. He noted that RND is proactively engaging with the QuickPouch customer base to resolve outstanding service issues and ensure consistent machine uptime.

By extending its lifecycle support model to QuickPouch users, RND is positioning itself not just as a vendor, but as a long-term partner in automation. This is consistent with the firm’s broader value proposition of providing full-spectrum automation services—from build-to-print equipment manufacturing to preventative maintenance and remote support.

What is the market opportunity for pouch-based automation systems?

Pouch-based packaging is gaining significant momentum across global industries due to its cost-efficiency, lightweight nature, and growing demand for on-the-go consumer products. The format has also proven ideal for medical and diagnostic packaging, offering reliable sterility and compact design.

By acquiring QuickPouch’s intellectual property, RND Automation has effectively strengthened its competitive moat in this segment. The acquisition positions RND to offer a wider variety of pouch packaging systems tailored to diverse client needs, from rapid prototyping to high-volume manufacturing environments.

Patrick McDermott, President and Chief Revenue Officer at CAS Holdings, described the acquisition as a “tremendous advantage,” adding that it enhances RND’s value proposition across a range of verticals including healthcare, diagnostics, cosmetics, and specialty food processing. The integration supports RND’s ambition to become a full-suite solutions provider for automation-intensive industries.

How are RND’s sales and customer teams preparing to scale the QuickPouch integration?

Key account managers Angela Desmond and James Pritchard expressed strong enthusiasm for the expanded packaging capabilities the acquisition unlocks. Both indicated that existing clients are already exploring QuickPouch systems for integration into their current packaging lines.

Desmond noted that the QuickPouch solutions offer new flexibility in addressing packaging complexities, especially in regulated industries. Pritchard highlighted that combining RND’s automation engineering with QuickPouch’s proven systems delivers measurable value to clients seeking both speed and compliance in their packaging operations.

This collaborative momentum within RND’s sales and engineering departments reflects the company’s integrated approach to technology adoption and market alignment. The goal is not merely to sell machines, but to provide scalable automation that aligns with each client’s production objectives and regulatory constraints.

What’s next for RND Automation and its strategic roadmap?

RND Automation is now actively working on reengineering the QuickPouch platform for next-generation deployments. This includes introducing new control systems, optimised user interfaces, and modular enhancements that can be adapted across various industries.

The timing of this acquisition also coincides with broader shifts in automation demand, as manufacturers seek flexible, high-speed packaging solutions to meet post-pandemic supply chain challenges. As a result, RND’s expanded product line now addresses both high-throughput requirements and small-batch production—a versatility that is increasingly valued across medical and consumer sectors.

RND is expected to unveil updated QuickPouch models at upcoming automation and packaging expos in North America, where it will also showcase integration capabilities with robotic handling and smart factory systems. These new developments are expected to further differentiate RND from mid-tier automation providers.

With the backing of CAS Holdings, RND is also evaluating additional strategic acquisitions to build upon its existing capabilities in robotics, assembly automation, and packaging systems integration.