When Does an Automatic Filling or Packing Machine Pay Off?
Quick answer: An automatic machine pays back through labour saved + profit on the extra packs you can now sell − extra power and maintenance. Payback = the price difference ÷ that monthly gain. If you cannot sell more and labour is cheap, manual machines often make more sense; once orders outgrow manual output, automation pays.
Key facts
- Gain = labour saved + extra sales profit − running costs
- Payback = price difference ÷ monthly gain
- Automate when sales outgrow manual output
- Automatic machines also give more even fills
On this page
Payback Calculator
Example figures only: replace them with your own. Results update as you type.
Labour saved per month–
Total monthly gain–
Payback (months)–
More Than Labour
- Accuracy: even fills reduce giveaway (overfilling) and complaints.
- Hygiene and presentation: consistent caps, seals and labels look professional to supermarkets.
- Skills and spares: automatic machines need trained operators, spares and power stability.
Manual, Semi-Automatic and Automatic Options
| Task | Manual / semi | Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Manual or pneumatic filler | Linear filling line |
| Labelling | Manual or semi-automatic labeller | Automatic labeller |
| Coding | Coding stamp or manual coder | Inkjet printer |
Manual Liquid & Paste Filling MachineKSh 95,000
Pneumatic liquid fillerKSh 350,000
Automatic Linear Liquid Filling MachinesKSh 1,900,000
Manual Labelling MachineKSh 50,000
Semi-automatic Labeling MachineKSh 337,500
Automatic Round Bottle Labeling Machine Beer Glass Plastic Bottle Labeler Labeling MachineKSh 700,000
Manual Coding MachinesKSh 25,000
Semi-Automatic Coding MachinesKSh 86,000
LEIBINGER JET2 NEO inkjet printerKSh 1,012,000| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Manual Liquid & Paste Filling Machine | KSh 95,000 |
| Pneumatic liquid filler | KSh 350,000 |
| Automatic Linear Liquid Filling Machines | KSh 1,900,000 |
| Manual Labelling Machine | KSh 50,000 |
| Semi-automatic Labeling Machine | KSh 337,500 |
| Automatic Round Bottle Labeling Machine Beer Glass Plastic Bottle Labeler Labeling Machine | KSh 700,000 |
| Manual Coding Machines | KSh 25,000 |
| Semi-Automatic Coding Machines | KSh 86,000 |
| LEIBINGER JET2 NEO inkjet printer | KSh 1,012,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 4 October 2026).
Machines are supplied through our packaging partner shop, Africa Packaging Solutions, on BuyMoreMall.
Frequently asked questions
Is an automatic filling machine worth it?
When labour savings and extra sales cover its cost quickly; the calculator shows payback.
When should a small business automate packaging?
When orders exceed what manual machines can produce reliably.
What is the difference between semi-automatic and automatic?
Semi-automatic machines need an operator for each cycle; automatic machines run continuously on a conveyor.