The Recipe for Sugar Coding: How PEZ Keeps Production Rolling with LEIBINGER
CIJ printing in a sugar-filled, high-speed environment
PEZ is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, known for its collectible dispensers and playful presence on store shelves for generations. But behind the fun exterior is a fast-paced manufacturing operation where precision and reliability are critical.
At the company’s U.S. facility in Orange, Connecticut, more than 1.5 million tablets are produced every hour, with packaging lines reaching speeds of 350 rolls per minute. The plant includes both traversing and linear lines, all operating in a sugar-dusted environment where fine particles hang in the air—conditions that can be tough on coding equipment over time.
The PEZ branch in Orange, Connecticut – production and distribution site for the USA and Canada since 1973.
Source: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
Looking to reduce downtime caused by cleaning, maintenance, and start-up, as well as improve print consistency across its lines, PEZ turned to LEIBINGER for a more reliable solution.
“Ever since we switched over to the LEIBINGER printers, the process is simple: turn them on, print, done,” said Gerry Figueroa, PEZ’s Maintenance Lead. “Our downtime has been drastically reduced.”
Before the cult brand PEZ hits store shelves, LEIBINGER printers ensure perfectly marked packaging.
Source: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
Unlike traditional CIJ printers that often require daily cleaning or suffer from clogging, LEIBINGER systems are designed to stay ready. A fully automatic nozzle sealing system keeps the nozzle airtight during downtime, while continuous ink circulation throughout the system prevents clogs and maintains stable viscosity. Together, these features allow for clean, reliable startups — even after extended production pauses. With programmable auto-start, the printers are up and running before the first operator walks in the door.
The LEIBINGER system also brings added simplicity to daily operations. With VNC (Virtual Network Connectivity), operators can monitor and adjust printers remotely, minimizing interruptions on the floor. A single ink formulation is used across all coding processes, streamlining both consumables management and handling. The automatic nozzle seal also ensures that no solvent evaporates during print pauses, significantly reducing consumption.
Precise marking in limited space: The code is exactly where it should be – precisely placed without covering important brand messages.
Source: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
“It’s more in the background. It’s no longer in the forefront – and that’s exactly what I want from a printer.” – Tony Cangiano, PEZ’s Maintenance Manager.
For a brand like PEZ, known for decades of dependable sweetness, consistency is part of the promise. With LEIBINGER, that promise holds strong—supporting efficient production, high-quality output, and the operational reliability needed to meet demand every single day.
PEZ relies on LEIBINGER marking systems, as confirmed by Tony Cangiano, Maintenance Manager: “The printer reliably does its job in the background and doesn’t constantly demand my attention – exactly what I expect.”
Source: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
Introducing the IQJET at PEZ: the printer features Plug & Print integration, is maintenance-free for 5 years, and delivers the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) on the market.
Source: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co. KG
