What AB Technology does

AB Technology Inc. is a privately held American manufacturer of high-speed thermoformed packaging equipment, founded by Ante Baskovic Sr. and headquartered in Red Wing, Minnesota after relocating from California in mid-to-late 2025. The company designs and builds specialized machinery that denests, labels, pads, and restacks clamshell containers and trays in a single continuous process, serving food packaging operations primarily in the produce, berry, and protein verticals. Its core product line includes the Label Line (a continuous rotary labeling system capable of up to 200 parts per minute with dual Cab IXOR label applicators), Pad Machines and Combo Machines that integrate absorbent pad insertion with labeling, the Protein Padding Machine for thermoformed meat and seafood trays (up to 170 containers per minute), and the newly launched In-Line Labeling Machine (November 2025) for bottles, cans, and rigid containers.

The company's underlying technology is built on a proprietary continuous rotary architecture in which containers are clamped between an overhead bell and a bottom platform rather than floated on a conveyor belt, eliminating positioning error at production speeds. Modular aluminum framing, no-tool changeovers between 4 oz and 18 oz container sizes, and 10–20 year component service life underpin both the equipment value proposition and the service revenue stream from long-tenured customers. AB Technology became a subsidiary of Excelis Packaging Automation in 2024, joining sister brands Volumetric Technologies, SureKap, Kraken Automation, and TBS Parts; an integrated packaging line combining filler, labeler, and capper was demonstrated at Pack Expo 2025.

Commercially, AB Technology operates a quote-based, direct enterprise sales model with no public pricing, supported by trade show presence, a content marketing blog, and a referral network built on 25+ year customer relationships with packaging operators such as Sonoco, Earthbound Farm, and Pactiv Evergreen. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time capital equipment sales plus recurring service and support contracts, with the In-Line Labeling Machine and Protein Padder launches in late 2025 extending the addressable market beyond produce into adjacent food, beverage, personal care, and protein-processing verticals.

Name

AB Technology

Legal name

AB Technology Inc.

Website

https://abtechnologyinc.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

AB Technology Inc. is a US manufacturer of high-speed thermoformed labeling, padding, and combo packaging machines for produce, berry, and protein food processors, operating as a subsidiary of Excelis Packaging Automation from its Red Wing, MN facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Food Packaging Automation Equipment

NAICS

Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (333993), Food Product Machinery Manufacturing (333241)

akta.pro primary industry

Blister, Skin & Thermoform Packaging Machines (IMAHAOAI)

Keywords

• Food packaging automation
• Thermoformed labeling machines
• Clamshell padding equipment
• Industrial packaging machinery
• Protein tray processing

Headquarters

HQ city

Torrance

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Equipment Sales: Sale of high-speed labeling and padding machines for thermoformed packaging lines. Machines include label machines, pad machines, combo machines, and in-line labelers. One-time capital equipment purchase with associated installation and support services.
2. Customer Support and Service: On-site support, customer service, and technical assistance for installed equipment. Referenced as a key differentiator with 25+ year customer relationships indicating ongoing service contracts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

AB Technology designs, manufactures, and services high-speed continuous rotary thermoformed packaging machines that denest, label, pad, and restack clamshells and trays in a single continuous process for food packaging operations. Its equipment portfolio includes Label Machines, Pad Machines, Combo Machines combining both functions, and the Protein Padding Machine, sold primarily to produce, berry, meat, poultry, seafood, and broader food and beverage co-packers.

Product overview

AB Technology offers a portfolio of high-speed thermoformed labeling and padding equipment built on a modular rotary platform architecture. The core product line includes Label Machines (continuous rotary Label Line and new In-Line Labeling Machine for bottles/cans), Pad Machines for absorbent padding application, and Combo Machines combining both operations. The Label Line handles up to 225 parts per minute for clamshells 4oz to 4lb, while the Protein Padding Machine processes thermoformed trays at up to 170 containers per minute. Combo systems integrate labeling and padding in single-pass machines, including dual-pad configurations for dual-compartment clamshells. All machines feature no-tool changeovers, modular construction, and centralized HMI controls, with the In-Line Labeler designed for seamless integration with Excelis sister brands SureKap and Volumetric Technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pad Machine Fully automated single-lane padding machine that denests thermoformed containers, applies glue, inserts absorbent padding material, and upstacks products at speeds up to 170-200 parts per minute. Handles produce, fruits, fish, poultry, meats, and alternative proteins.
• 1Lb Label Machine Fully automated single-lane labeling machine that denests products, applies top label and bottom UPC label via dual label applicators from above, then upstacks products at speeds up to 225 parts per minute. Handles clamshells from 4.4 oz to 4 lb.
• 6oz Pad + Label Combo Fully automated single-lane combination machine that denests product, applies glue, inserts absorbent padding material, applies top label and bottom UPC label via dual applicators from below, then upstacks at speeds up to 200+ parts per minute.
• 12oz Dual Pad + Label Combo Fully automated dual pad and label combination system with integrated second pad placing mechanism for popular dual-compartment 12 oz clamshells. Denests product, applies glue, inserts absorbent padding material, applies top and bottom UPC labels, then upstacks at speeds up to 200+ parts per minute.
• In-Line Labeling Machine Automated in-line label machine applying pressure-sensitive/self-adhesive labels to bottles, cans, and containers. Features modular frame architecture with stainless-steel conveyor, handles full wrap, partial wrap, front/back, and top/bottom labeling. Includes Roxi applicator with self-learning optimization for repeatable placement.
• Counter Counts stacked and nested products with extreme accuracy and adjustability for all clamshells with adequate nesting gaps. Features auto-reset that automatically resets after a stack has been counted and is fully adjustable to operator preference.
• Protein Padding Machine Specialized padding machine for meats, poultry, seafood, and alternative proteins. Fully integrated system that denests thermoformed trays, applies glue, inserts absorbent material, and restacks trays at speeds up to 170 containers per minute. Features linear design for smooth material flow, no-tool changeovers, and minimal maintenance.
• Label Line (Continuous Rotary) Continuous rotary labeling system that denests, labels, and restacks clamshell and pocketed containers in one continuous pass at up to 200 parts per minute. Features container clamping mechanism for total control, dual label application with German-made Cab IXOR applicators, no-tool changeovers, and open modular frame with centralized HMI.

Quantifiable outcome

• Throughput up to 200 parts per minute on standard clamshells (160-170 for larger shapes) for labeling operations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Excelis Packaging Automation (Parent Company)coreOthers · 1 January 2024AB Technology joined the Excelis Packaging Automation organization in 2024, becoming part of a comprehensive integrated packaging solution family of companies. The move brought expanded resources and production facilities in Minnesota. Excelis controls the site and represents the parent corporate entity including portfolio companies Kraken Automation, SureKap, Volumetric Technologies, and TBS Parts.
• Volumetric TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partner for complete packaging line solutions. At Pack Expo 2025, AB Technology's In-Line Labeling machine was demonstrated working with Volumetric Technologies filling machines as part of an integrated Excelis packaging line. Located alongside AB Technology in Red Wing, MN facility.
• SureKapcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration partner for capper technology. In-Line Labeler demonstration at Pack Expo 2025 showed seamless integration with SureKap capping machines as part of complete Excelis packaging line. Both are Excelis family portfolio companies.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Heat and Control: Manufacturer and integrator of food processing and packaging equipment for snacks, protein, and prepared foods, including labeling and container handling. Direct competitor in protein and prepared-food packaging automation with comparable throughput and customer requirements.
• Cama Group: Italian manufacturer of secondary packaging machinery including labeling, case packing, and container handling systems for food and consumer goods. Comparable in customer base (food processors, co-packers) and overlap with AB Technology's labeling and container handling offerings.
• Multivac: Global leader in thermoform packaging machinery for food, medical, and consumer goods. Competes directly with AB Technology in thermoformed tray and clamshell handling, including denesting, labeling, and tray-sealing functions for produce, meat, and protein processors.
• Harpak-ULMA: North American arm of ULMA Packaging, focused on thermoform, tray-sealing, and flow-wrap packaging solutions for protein, produce, dairy, and bakery. Direct competitor in thermoformed tray and clamshell automation with strong enterprise food-processor customer overlap.
• ULMA Packaging: Specializes in packaging machinery for fresh food, including flow-pack, tray-sealing, and thermoform solutions for produce, meat, and protein. Direct overlap with AB Technology's thermoformed tray and clamshell product lines, particularly in produce and protein verticals.

Broad incumbents

• ProMach: Large diversified packaging machinery OEM with brands including Ossid (tray/lidding/labeling for protein), Curwood, and Robertshaw. Competes broadly across food packaging automation including labeling and tray handling, and serves many of the same enterprise customers as AB Technology.
• Ishida: Japanese-origin manufacturer of weighing, packaging, and quality inspection equipment for food, including multihead weighers and tray-sealing systems. Competes with AB Technology in food packaging lines and shares enterprise food-processor customer base.
• Sealed Air: Major packaging company with the Cryovac food packaging and automated equipment businesses. Serves meat, poultry, and produce processors with trays, absorbent pads, and integrated packaging systems, overlapping with AB Technology's protein padding and produce clamshell applications.
• Krones: Global packaging line integrator for beverage, food, and dairy with labeling, filling, and packaging equipment. Overlaps with AB Technology on the In-Line Labeling Machine product line and competes in integrated food packaging line solutions.

Others

• Volumetric Technologies: Sister company under Excelis Packaging Automation located alongside AB Technology in Red Wing, MN. Manufactures filling machines for liquid and viscous food products. Adjacent rather than competitive, but commercially linked via Pack Expo co-demonstrations and integrated-line packaging solutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AB Technology