Packaging Automation is set to unveil a new filling and sealing machine at this year's PPMA exhibition to be held in Birmingham, UK, September 23 to 25.
Aimed at the convenience liquid foods processing industry, the company says that the new machine builds on more than 40 years of engineering excellence and provides three key packaging functions in one.
The company also claims that the design should provide significant labour savings over conventional packaging solutions and should be of particular benefit to those struggling to recruit production staff.
Utilising an integrated automatic denesting system, pots and trays are removed from the stack. The pots are automatically filled and then sealed using either a pre-cut lid (foil or polyester) or reel fed film lid.
A closed loop monitoring system linked to a check weigher provides feedback to the machine's PLC and in the event of underweight or overweight packs automatically adjusts the fill volume.
Packaging Automation say that the machine will appeal to a wide cross section of the liquid processing industry including dairy, ready meals, sauces, soups and fruit juices.
One of the biggest selling features is said to be a highly flexible pot handling and changeover facility, which allows a wide range of different size packs to be quickly accommodated.
This company says that the high level of flexibility should appeal to the sauces, soups and ready meal sectors where frequent product changeovers can hamper productivity. An optional (modified atmosphere packaging) MAP facility also allows the shelf life of products to be extended, where required.
Manufactured in stainless steel, the machine has been designed for easy cleaning, traditional bug traps are said to have been eliminated and the new model is compatible with most customers existing cleaning-in-place facilities.
Suitable for small and large producers, Packaging Automation is offering the machine as part of its hire fleet, which the company says should make it more viable for manufacturers with limited budgets.
The company says that it will be displaying an extensive range of its processing and packaging equipment at its stand for the PMMI show, which is to be held at the NEC exhibition hall.
Commercial manager, Sam Penn, said: "With a large number of machines to be displayed and the launch of our exciting new automatic liquid filling and sealing machine, this year, our PPMA stand should create an large amount of visitor interest."
Packaging Automation was established in 1963 and is the UK's leading manufacturer of heat sealing machinery for the food industry. Operating from its premises located in Knutsford, Cheshire, the business employs 120 people and produces a wide range of equipment which are supplied on a global basis.