Launched at Interpack 2026, PowerPak 5000 is a new thermoforming packaging machine for medium-sized food producers that need several different pack sizes, reliable daily operation, and scalable automation in the mid-size performance range. The system replaces this company’s former thermoformer models in the midsize segment and is designed for processors seeking a practical balance between performance, operational simplicity, and long-term cost control.
The PowerPak 5000 is intended for companies operating in competitive food markets where product variety, frequent changeovers, and pricing pressure require packaging equipment that can maintain output and product quality without unnecessary system complexity. The machine addresses applications in meat and poultry, fish and seafood, cheese and dairy, bakery, ready meals, and plant-based food categories. The PowerPak 5000 is positioned for standard and mid-range applications rather than highly specialized peak-output scenarios. The new model has been developed as a broadly applicable solution for the majority of thermoforming use cases, with emphasis on repeatable output, ease of operation, and predictable lifecycle costs.
Source: GEA
The machine supports a broad packaging range, including MAP, vacuum, skin and steam applications. By covering these formats on one machine, the PowerPak 5000 is designed to help processors manage multiple product categories while simplifying product and format changes. According to the manufacturer, the system has been developed for stable, everyday industrial use, with a service-friendly design intended to simplify cleaning and maintenance, reduce downtime, and support repeatable production across shifts and product runs. Tool-free changes are designed to shorten the time between batches.
The machine is equipped with SmartControl, the company’s control interface for operation and monitoring. In practical terms, this means the operator uses a centralized human-machine interface (HMI) to manage machine settings, production status, and process adjustments. The operating concept is intended to reduce dependence on highly specialized labor and support more consistent machine performance even when staffing structures change. — GEA Group, Dusseldorf, Germany