Thirty years ago, SUN Automation started with limited resources and a strong desire to improve feeding for box plants. Its first product, Extend-O-Feed^® Lead Edge Feeder revolutionized feeding with increased speed, reduced feed roll crush and jam-free operation. Serving both equipment manufacturers (OEM customers) as well as direct end-users (box-makers), SUN Automation continued to innovate by developing solutions to many operational challenges. 

“We continue to build on our original vision of helping the industry produce more, at higher quality, and lower cost,” says Ron Deideman, SUN Automation President, “Our focus will always be on developing products to meet the challenges facing our customers and the industry. We won’t lose sight of our founder’s core belief in quality.“

The spirit of continuous product development mixed with strong customer support fueled SUN Automation’s growth in the 1990s. Products launched during this time include SunTrac^® vacuum transfer, digital harmonic registers, SunSet^® computer control system, and MicroGrind^® die cut accuracy system for rotary die-cutting. All of these developments assisted converters looking to improve quality and performance. Printing received its first upgrade from SUN Automation in the 1990s with the dual chambered doctor blades system and in the mid-2000’s with the more economical single blade systems.  

In addition to its own research and development, SUN Automation acquired assets from Langston Corporation^® in 2001. This provided the company with all trademarks, patents, designs, inventory and equipment for all Langston, Staley^®, and Greenwood^® machinery. 

To best serve customers, SUN Automation opened centers around the globe. Having parts and service centers strategic placed means customers get support quickly and cost-effectively. 

By learning from its customers and understanding their needs, SUN Automation has more recently launched the MicroGrind for top anvil machinery and reengineered the rotary die cutter with the SUN625. This machine increases productivity and container quality while reducing maintenance challenges and floor space with it’s vertically opening architecture. SUN Automation’s most recent product launch, the CorrStream^® digital printer, is bringing the corrugated industry unprecedented capabilities. Variable printing and cost-effective small quantities provide value to box plants of all sizes. 

Anniversary celebrations are planned throughout the year, including special product demonstrations and customer celebrations.