PEZ, one of the world’s most recognizable candy brands, has enhanced the efficiency and reliability of its manufacturing operations by deploying Leibinger continuous inkjet (CIJ) printing solutions at its U.S. production facility in Orange, Connecticut.
The move supports uninterrupted, high-speed production in a demanding sugar-rich environment, where accurate and consistent coding is critical. At the Connecticut facility, PEZ manufactures more than 1.5 million candy tablets per hour, with packaging lines operating at speeds of up to 350 rolls per minute. The production setup includes both traversing and linear lines, all exposed to fine airborne sugar particles that can interfere with conventional coding equipment.
To address challenges such as nozzle clogging, frequent cleaning requirements and inconsistent print quality, PEZ transitioned to Leibinger’s CIJ printing technology. The company said the upgrade has significantly reduced downtime while simplifying maintenance and improving overall operational stability.
According to Gerry Figueroa, Maintenance Lead at PEZ, the printers require minimal operator intervention and offer reliable start-up performance across shifts. “The simplicity of start-up and the consistency of operation have made a noticeable difference in reducing downtime,” he said.
Leibinger’s CIJ printers are designed for continuous readiness, featuring a fully automatic nozzle sealing system that keeps the nozzle airtight during production pauses. Continuous ink circulation throughout the system prevents clogging and maintains stable ink viscosity, enabling clean and dependable start-ups even after extended shutdowns. Programmable auto-start functionality ensures the printers are ready before production teams begin their shifts.
The solution also offers operational flexibility through Virtual Network Connectivity (VNC), allowing remote monitoring and adjustments without disrupting plant-floor activities. PEZ has further streamlined operations by standardizing on a single ink formulation across all coding applications. Additionally, the automatic nozzle seal reduces solvent evaporation during idle periods, contributing to lower solvent consumption.
Tony Cangiano, Maintenance Manager at PEZ, noted that the printers now run unobtrusively in the background, allowing maintenance and production teams to focus on core manufacturing tasks.
By integrating Leibinger’s CIJ printing technology, PEZ has reinforced its commitment to production consistency, operational efficiency and reliability, ensuring its iconic candy products continue to meet high-volume demand with precision and confidence.