PACK EXPO International 2026 allows attendees to see the latest packaging and processing equipment and technologies up close and in person. But the show also provides an opportunity to take a broader look at the challenges and trends impacting the industry.

With that in mind, Processing asked PACK EXPO International 2026 exhibitors about the products and technologies they will have on display at the event, along with the biggest processing or operational challenges their customers are facing today. We’re publishing their responses in the weeks leading up to the show, which takes place October 18-21 at McCormick Place in Chicago. In this installment, we hear from Rob DeHaan, director of strategic sales & marketing at Hapman.

Q: What products, technologies, or live demonstrations will visitors be able to see at your booth during PACK EXPO International 2026, and which applications or manufacturing challenges do they address?

A: We are excited to be unveiling a new product this year at Pack Expo. This product will add to our already robust lineup of conveying options and give us another option for conveying in hazardous rated areas. This product will most typically be of interest to the food and pharma world as it very easy to clean and maintain.

Additionally, we will be highlighting the CablePro tubular drag conveyor, Helix flexible screw conveyor with HiLo option and integral dust collection, Bulk Bag Filler, and Low Profile Bulk Bag Unloader. Our Bulk Bag Unloader frame will be showcasing a new look. Designed specifically for the food industry, this frame eliminates harborage points and can be cleaned easily.

Q: What are the biggest processing or operational challenges your customers are facing today, and how are your latest solutions helping manufacturers improve efficiency, product quality, flexibility, safety, or sustainability?

One of the biggest concerns for processing facilities today is the containment of dust. Escaping dust from your process causes many issues including health risks to your employees, loss of product, contamination of other products, and cleanliness issues. Hapman has taken full charge with our “War On Dust” campaign. This is a collaborative, full-on attack to try to eliminate any leak points from our equipment. Engineering and fabrication teams are continually meeting to discuss better designs, seals, and manufacturing techniques to design out any leakage opportunities. Our goal is to make a safer, cleaner, and ultimately, more profitable environment for our partners.

Q: What technology or industry trends are having the greatest impact on processing equipment design and investment decisions today?

Technology seems to be advancing at the speed of light these days. As a result, the demand for improved automation in processing facilities has grown. This technology allows us to better control our equipment and seamlessly integrate with other process components in an existing facility. We are now able to have better control over the entire process, which leads to higher accuracy, reliable consistency and repeatability, and improved visibility into any data crucial for the process.

Q: If a process engineer, operations manager, or plant executive visits your booth, what are one or two key insights, best practices, or innovations you hope they take away from the conversation?

The great thing about Hapman is that we understand that there are many ways to tackle any given challenge. We are not one size fits all, and we have a broad range of products to ensure that we are able to treat every circumstance with an open mind and prescribe the proper equipment for that individual need.

After having a conversation with someone in our booth, I would want the person to walk away with the understanding that we use our 80 years of experience in the bulk material handling industry to help customers solve their issues the right way. This means using the right conveyor for the right application. This also means that sometimes we are not the right fit for a specific application and we have to pass on it. I’d like them to believe that they can trust our advice, whether it’s right for us or not. We have our customers' best outcome as our priority — our reputation depends on it. Our sales are over 75% repeat customers. That speaks loudly about our customer service, quality, and teamwork.