"First class in every way" is how its latest customer sums up Packaging Automation’s equipment and service.
Distributed in Australia by MPI, Packaging Automation has supplied a Starwheel machine to The Vending Revolution, the United Kingdom's leading and largest bulk and mini-can vending business. The machine, which is just one of a range of filling and sealing machines in Packaging Automation's volumetric range, is filling mini-cans of confectionery and nuts for vending operations throughout the UK.
Initially it was a lucky search on the internet that brought the two companies together and Peter Fellowes, managing director of The Vending Revolution, could not be happier with the choice he made to produce his "Snack-a-Can" concept.
Fellowes said: "We were completely new to the packaging industry and initially used the internet to identify possible suppliers. We located a number of companies who could potentially help and PA seemed to be able to offer what we needed. From the minute we contacted them they have been first class - giving us guidance at every step and really taking time to understand what we needed."
A range of nuts and sweets including chocolate mini eggs, cola bottles, jelly buttons, and jelly beans are packed in a metal composite can with an air tight heat sealed aluminium foil lid. Using the Starwheel has enabled the company to pack its nut products in a modified atmosphere - so maintaining quality and giving an extended shelf life
The Starwheel has been a popular choice for both food and non food products and is available in either a single or double wheel format. Changeover times are quick and the operation is electronically controlled.
The Starwheel is suitable for dairy products, soups, sauces, mineral water, and juice as well as diverse products such as chocolate, vodka shots, sandwich fillings and baby foods. In the non food sector it is being selected for filling and sealing cosmetics, jewellery polish and household cleaning products.
At The Vending Revolution the Starwheel is currently packing around 35 packs per minute, although depending on the machine format and the product being filled it has a top speed of up to 100 packs per minute.
Packaging Automation's product manager Mark Leaning has also been praised. Fellowes said: "Mark has been superb throughout - giving us a huge amount of his time, and his input into the whole process has been invaluable. I would not hesitate to go back to PA for more equipment in the future and would certainly recommend them to others."
Mark Leaning commented: "This project is a good example of the level of support we can give to customers who are new to the packaging industry - we help them choose the best equipment to take initial ideas and concepts and turn them into a finished product ready for sale."