Sun Automation Has a Long History
- Published: July 09, 2015
SPARKS, MD | SUN Automation Group, a supplier in the global corrugated sector, is marking 120 years of combined innovation and customer service since Langston Corporation, the company it acquired in 2001, produced its first single facer corrugated machine in 1895. 
Charles Langston, and then his son Samuel, were the earliest pioneers of corrugated manufacturing, creating approximately 50 patents for machinery including the double facer, variable voltage drives, and preconditioning/tensioning devices. Langston expanded into Europe as early as 1952 and the Far East in 1961, and after passing through various corporate owners, was finally acquired by SUN Automation in 2001.
General manager EMEA Rob Dal Lago says, “The acquisition of Langston was an inspired move, as the two companies have a very similar ethos of customer comes first and a parallel history of innovation and product development. Many of the ex-Langston engineers are still part of the SUN Automation team, bringing to customers incredibly valuable expertise and experience, especially with older machinery that needs a little TLC to remain in operation.”
The Langston acquisition handed to SUN Automation all trademarks, patents, designs, inventory, and equipment for Langston, Staley, and Greenwood machinery, further expanding the scope of support available to box makers from the company. Company reports it has a number of Aftermarket Service Centres around the globe, strategically placed so that customers can access support quickly and cost-effectively.
Rob Dal Lago adds, “…Our Aftersales operation has been flying somewhat under the radar. Our engineers are often called upon to repair or enhance machinery that can be 20, 30, or even 40 years old—and their actions can literally save a plant from going under where the owner simply doesn’t have the funds to invest in new equipment. That’s something to be really proud of—and something that Charles and Samuel Langston would no doubt have fully endorsed.”
