The packaging firm carried out the project for another UK-based company, Cereal Innovations, which wanted a machine that could fill dessert pots with biscuit crumble.
This presented PA with quite a challenge, though the firm's technical team managed to adapted its V8 volumetric filler to suit this purpose. "We like to think that all our machines are recognised for their versatility and adaptation capability, and the V8 is no exception," said Packaging Automation's sales manager Neil Ashton.
"The adaptations needed were significant, for instance the filling system pump had to be taken off and a Multipond multihead weigher had to be fitted but our technicians, who are used to customers' exacting requirements, took it all in their stride."
The equipment is now being successfully employed by Cereal Innovations. "We won an order to supply to one of the top names in the dessert sector and needed something which would put a foil seal on the pots of biscuit crumble efficiently and quickly," said Cereal Innovations commercial director Alan Hayes. "We had to set up a new production line to do the job and needed the best equipment for it. And Packaging Automation's V8 is definitely the best. It is an excellent machine which is doing a wonderful job."
The V8 is an eight station volumetric filling and sealing machine, which has overcapping and cleaning-in-place facilities. All models have a quick release, self-levelling sealing head, which is suitable for a wide range of containers. It is capable of operating at up to 50 packs per minute and is used by a large cross-section of UK food manufacturers.
For Cereal Innovation, the machine was adjusted so that it de-nests trays, weighs and deposits dry cereal into them, picks a foil lid and heat seals it on to the tray before it is then ejected.
This is the first time that Cereal Innovations has used Packaging Automation equipment, though parties hope the transaction marks the start of a beneficial partnership. "We are already looking at the possibility of having more of the same next year," said Hayes. "We are so pleased with what we have got that we will not hesitate to return to PA."
Packaging Automation was established in 1963 and is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of heat sealing machinery for the food industry. The business employs 120 people and produces a wide range of equipment. These range from simple manual units and semi-automatics through to in-line fully automated systems. The company also manufactures volumetric fillers, conveyors and various other ancillary equipment.
For further information email the sales team at Packaging Automation.