In response to the growing demand for automation solutions in food and beverage packaging, Ishida Europe has expanded its Centre of Excellence in Prague, Czech Republic. This initiative aims to better support food producers and packers throughout Europe.
The new facility, located in the municipality of Čestlice and covering over 1,000 square metres, enhances Ishida’s ability to meet customer requirements for training, pre-delivery inspections (PDIs), product demonstrations, and trials. Its inauguration marks a significant milestone for the company in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, where Ishida has been operating for more than 20 years.
Previously, customers in Central Europe needing pre-delivery inspections (PDIs) for customized solutions often had to travel to Ishida’s manufacturing centre in Birmingham, UK, or even to Japan. Now, these essential activities can be conducted locally at the Ishida Prague site.
“The opening of this new facility will enable Ishida to better serve our European customers, reaching a market of 200 million consumers within a day’s travel from Prague,” states Wim Hermans, regional general manager for North-East Europe. “The enhanced facility will allow us to provide quicker and more effective support while enabling ‘close-to-home’ PDIs. This further reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our CEE customers and assists them in tackling industry challenges to grow their businesses.”
“These customers will now find it much easier to view new solutions or receive bespoke training before installation or as part of an ongoing upskilling programme. Ishida’s dedication to delivering thorough, practical training at our new Centre of Excellence aims to ensure seamless installation processes, efficient equipment operation, and maintenance.”
The new facility supports PDI activities, product trials, testing, logistics planning, and customization initiatives for large installations. Its strategic location adjacent to Ishida’s existing Prague site and close to major transport routes enhances accessibility.
This site accommodates Ishida’s extensive product portfolio, including multihead weighers, filling systems, snack food bagmakers, batchers, graders, tray sealers, X-ray inspection systems, seal testers, checkweighers, and ancillary equipment.
Additionally, Ishida has expanded its regional team to offer a variety of services, including X-ray product testing, proof of concept testing, machine demonstrations, PDIs, and repairs, all managed by site leader, Petr König.
“We have developed this site with a focus on providing a welcoming space for customers,” explains König. “There is ample parking and meeting rooms for discussing specific business needs, allowing us to deliver optimal service. This commitment extends to the factory floor, where the new facility includes an industrial washing area for our machines, flexible feed systems for simulating production, and dedicated support gantries for testing various multihead weighers.”
“The expanded site results from extensive renovations, including refurbished epoxy flooring, improved cabling, hydraulic lifts, and custom pallet storage. Every aspect has been designed with the customer in mind, allowing us to provide market-leading demonstrations, tests, and training. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our customers and partners to our new location.”
