Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division, UK, has supported FDA Packaging in significantly enhancing its programming and automation capabilities through a targeted, in-person training programme focused on its latest PLC software tools.
Based in Norwich, FDA Packaging has supplied flow wrapping machines to customers worldwide since 1994.
As a small to medium-sized UK machine builder operating in the competitive packaging machinery market, the company identified software modernisation as a strategic priority.
Partnering with Mitsubishi Electric formed a key part of the company's development strategy, enabling FDA Packaging to move away from legacy programming approaches and adopt more intuitive, scalable solutions.
The collaboration centred on a two-day iQ-F PLC Intermediate training course delivered by Mitsubishi Electric.
The course focused on the FX5 PLC series and the MELSOFT GX Works3 software platform, which is increasingly integral to modern machine design and industrial automation.
The training aimed to support FDA Packaging’s transition from older programming formats to GX Works3, which offers enhanced functionality, faster development and improved usability.
Craig Hodkinson, director at FDA Packaging, attended the course to upgrade his skills in line with evolving industry requirements and to explore GX Works3 features built into the FX5 PLCs that could benefit the company’s machine builds.
The training was tailored to demonstrate practical applications, including features designed to simplify programming and support future system expansion.
Historically, FDA Packaging relied on dedicated hardwired connections and digitally connected machines to manage product flow.
Through the training, Hodkinson was introduced to the Simple CPU Communications feature within the FX5 PLC series, which enables more efficient data communication between PLCs while reducing wiring complexity.
This approach not only streamlines machine design but also facilitates easier upgrades and scalability.
"The training has been instrumental in the advancement of our technology solutions," Hodkinson continued.
"Through it, I was able to update my old program to the new format and efficiently run the FX5 PLC on my machines."
"The new software’s design has significantly enhanced my programming capabilities by improving operational efficiency. It has helped tremendously and the new software is a lot more intuitive."
The hands-on nature of the course also allowed attendees to use GX Works3 tools to accelerate program creation and modification, whether for design changes, error correction or machine resizing.
The collaboration has delivered benefits for both organisations.
While FDA Packaging has enhanced its operational efficiency and programming capability, Mitsubishi Electric has gained insights into how solution-focused, application-led training can better support customers.
This aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its automation training curriculum beyond product-based learning.
Paul Proctor, Training Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division, said: "At Mitsubishi Electric, we are committed to supporting customers using our technology to unlock the true potential of their own machines."
"I’m delighted to hear how the training has helped Craig and his team to advance the capabilities of FDA’s packaging machines and it shows the real value that can be achieved through a collaborative and in-person approach to problem solving."
The iQ-F PLC Intermediate course forms part of Mitsubishi Electric’s wider UK training portfolio, designed to support manufacturers, machine builders and integrators across a broad range of industrial automation technologies.