Digitalisation, production intelligence and integrated automation are becoming increasingly important topics within the thermoforming industry, as manufacturers look for ways to simplify operations, optimize production efficiency and reduce machine downtime in order to guarantee greater production continuity.

June, 3, 2026 - At PLAST 2026, the focus of the WM stand will go beyond machinery itself, with particular attention dedicated to digital tools, and smart factory solutions designed to automate and optimize production flow.

At Hall 13 – Stand E26, visitors will be able to interact directly with WM Empower through dedicated demo stations featuring Form.AI, the AI assistant developed to support the operator 24/7, WMind, the cloud-based platform for production monitoring and analytics, and the newly introduced WM Explora

First presented at K 2025, WM Empower is already operating at several customer facilities. The suite has been developed following WM’s “Ingenious Simplicity” philosophy, bringing the latest digital and AI-based tools into thermoforming with the objective of making machine operation, production monitoring and technical support simpler and more accessible, WM says.

Among the latest developments, WM Explora introduces a new approach to machine support and technical documentation. According to WM, users can navigate machine components, access spare parts information and consult manuals and troubleshooting documentation through interactive 3D exploded machine views, which takes place in a faster and more intuitive way, simplifying both maintenance and technical assistance activities.

The same philosophy of simplifying operations and improving production flow is also behind the Smart Factory concept developed through the recent collaboration between WM and Smartlogistix, a specialist in automation and intralogistics.

The project combines thermoforming, automated material handling and end-of-line operations into one connected production flow coordinated through WMind. In practice, the system can automatically trigger Smartlogistix AGVs to deliver the next film reel directly to the thermoforming line when needed. From there, the process continues through thermoforming, packaging and palletizing, while completed pallets are automatically transported to the storage area.

The objective is to improve production continuity, increase plant efficiency and safety, and reduce manual handling throughout the workflow.

Alongside the exhibition, customers and partners interested in seeing WM technologies operating in real production conditions will also have the opportunity to visit the company’s headquarters in Stabio, located approximately 40 km from Fiera Milano.

During the Open House events scheduled for June 8th and June 10th, visitors will be able to see different thermoforming technologies in operation, including steel rule die systems such as the FX780 IM2 and the new FXL1000, as well as punch-and-die technology with the FT900

The FXL1000, presented live for the first time, is currently the largest steel rule thermoforming machine on the market, WM claims.

The combination of PLAST and the Open House will offer visitors the opportunity to explore both the current state and the future direction of thermoforming technology, from machinery and digital tools to increasingly integrated and automated production environments.