CDA designs and manufactures packaging machines (fillers, cappers and labelers). Since it was founded, the company has developed and commissioned numerous systems in a wide range of businesses around the world.
But before a machine leaves the production floor, an essential upstream phase takes place: the work of the Engineering Department, which collaborates closely with the sales teams, customers, and technicians.
The Engineering Department: a technical partner for CDA’s sales team and customers
The Engineering Department supports projects from their earliest stages, especially during the pre-sales phase, by providing direct technical assistance to the sales team.
Each project manager within Engineering is specialized in a specific area (filling, labeling, or monobloc solutions) and works closely with sales.
Their mission: to analyze customer needs and turn technical constraints into practical, workable solutions.
When a salesperson meets with a customer (in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemical, wine industry, etc.), they can rely on Engineering to:
- create a preliminary layout for the future packaging line,
- assess the technical compatibility of a CDA machine with the customer’s facility,
- or validate the feasibility of the project.
Even before a quote is approved, the Engineering Department brings critical technical expertise to help choose the right equipment and line configuration.
From customer needs to a technical solution
Every CDA machine is the result of close collaboration between the customer, the salesperson, and the Engineering Department.
Engineering draws up the layout for the machine or full line, taking into account key parameters such as:
- available space in the packaging area,
- existing workflow,
- maintenance and operator-access constraints,
- and the specific requirements of the product being packaged.
The project managers then define the most appropriate technology:
- a volumetric or peristaltic filler for liquids,
- a capping / screwing solution for closure,
- a semi-automatic or automatic labeler for different container formats,
- or a monobloc, combining filling, capping, and labeling in a single compact system.
Engineering can also support customers who haven’t yet finalized all elements of their packaging (cap type, label material, bottle design, etc.).
They perform compatibility tests and packaging trials to validate the project and ensure the chosen solution works with the customer’s products and containers.
Technical validation: a key step before manufacturing
Before manufacturing begins, each project goes through a rigorous technical validation.
Led by Engineering, this step verifies:
- overall feasibility of the project,
- compatibility between the line modules (filler, capper, labeler),
- electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical constraints,
- and compliance with safety standards.
Technical validation is carried out according to the customer’s preferences:
- remotely, via video conference,
- or on site, at CDA’s facilities.
This ensures that every detail is confirmed before production: dimensions, speeds, options, ergonomics, conveyor type, etc. In many cases, the process is completed electronically (email confirmations, signed scans), helping to reduce lead times.
Starting manufacturing and managing orders
Once the project is validated, the Engineering Department initiates manufacturing.
The project manager coordinates various teams:
- the machining shop, which produces mechanical parts,
- the purchasing department, which manages external suppliers (for electronic components, sensors, motors, touchscreens, etc.),
- and internal assembly teams, which build and set up the machine in CDA’s workshops.
Each project manager follows the build from start to finish and ensures that all technical specifications defined earlier are fully respected.
Engineering acts as the technical conductor of the project, guaranteeing the consistency, quality, and reliability of the finished packaging equipment.
FAQ
What is the main role of CDA’s Engineering Department?
Engineering designs, adapts, and validates packaging machines (fillers, cappers, labelers, monoblocs) to meet each customer’s specific requirements.
Does Engineering get involved before or after the sale?
Both. It supports sales in the pre-project phase to define needs, and then oversees manufacturing and validation until start-up.
Does the Engineering Department customize machines?
Yes. Every project is custom-engineered: layout, drawings, technology choices, and tests are all tailored to the customer’s product and facility.
What happens after the project is validated?
Engineering launches manufacturing, monitors assembly, and validates the final settings before handing over a full file to After-Sales for on-site commissioning.
Does CDA offer complete packaging lines?
Yes. CDA designs complete packaging lines including filling, capping, labeling, and conveying, all coordinated by Engineering.
