lbs. Distribution, a California-based cannabis distributor, has dramatically boosted its packaging efficiency with the integration of advanced automation technology. By combining several processes—scaling, bagging, checkweighing, and coding—into one streamlined system, the company has increased its output from 40 to 300 parts per labor hour.
The Evolution of Packaging at lbs. Distribution
Founded in 2017, lbs. Distribution was built with the vision of creating a reliable, efficient supply chain for legal cannabis across California. Initially, the company managed to manually fill and seal 300 pre-made bags per person per day. With a small team of five, they could produce up to 1,500 units per day.
A Key Milestone: 2020 Automation Upgrade
In 2020, the company took a significant step towards automation by installing a 14-bucket combination scale from High Tek. This equipment allowed operators to manually fill pre-made bags faster, pushing their daily output to 2,200 units. While this was a considerable improvement, the company sought further optimization.
The High Tek Bagger Boosts Production
The turning point came in January 2023, with the installation of a High Tek bagging machine. This automated system, integrated with the earlier combination scale, revolutionized the packaging process. The new system uses vacuum pickup cups to handle pre-made pouches, and employs a series of automated stations, including a puff station to open the pouch, a shaking station to settle the product, and a zipper sealing system.
With just two operators, the system can now package up to 6,000 units per day, achieving a remarkable throughput of 300 parts per labor hour—a massive leap from the previous 40 units per hour achieved through manual labor.
Continuous Improvements and Future Upgrades
Director of Operations John Perrino is thrilled with these results, noting that the two-person team can now produce approximately 600 units per hour. Furthermore, lbs. Distribution is planning to add a Videojet thermal-transfer overprint unit to the system, which will enable automatic printing of lot and date code information.
These upgrades are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to efficiency, aiming to further streamline operations and maintain consistent product quality.
The Benefits of Automation for Cannabis Packaging
- Increased Efficiency: With automation, lbs. Distribution can now produce far more units per labor hour, reducing costs and increasing output.
- Improved Accuracy: Automation reduces human error, ensuring consistent product weight and packaging quality.
- Faster Scaling: The integration of automated systems allows for easy scaling to meet growing demand without requiring significant increases in labor.
Looking Ahead
With continued advancements in packaging technology, lbs. Distribution is setting a strong example of how cannabis companies can leverage automation to improve their supply chain and increase operational efficiency.
