Packaging innovator at development agency social
By Carolyn Sloan/Transcontinental Media
It began five years ago with a lobster claw.Roland Swift was talking to his cousin, a local lobster fisherman, who suggested that Roland invent a machine that would make it easier to band claws.
“I kind of took him serious,” says Swift. “I found out that it was possible and started working on a prototype.”
Morswift Machines was born from that first banding machine and it wasn’t long before Swift realized that the same technology could be used for a variety of product packaging.
With the help of three angel investors, he started his own business, beginning with a machine that would band broccoli, and then developing another model that would bundle other types of materials.
Swift is now an award-winning innovator who is revolutionizing product packaging around the world. With 17 million potential customers, his machines are under development constantly.
He will be the guest speaker today, May 15, at the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency’s TecSocial at 7 p.m. in the End of the Line Pub in Bridgetown. All are welcome to attend, and the TecSocial series is aimed at forging links in the area’s business community.
Swift now employs five full-time staff at his shop in Digby. His machines are sold mainly in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta and in the U.S.
