PACKAGING Automation UK Ltd's ability to manufacture and supply tooling in just two weeks has led to the company's latest contract success with fruit and vegetable processor, Sharrocks Fresh Produce Ltd.
Packaging Automation's range of tray sealing equipment is distributed in Australia by MPI .
Sharrocks, based in north west England, won an order from a leading UK retailer for a new prepared vegetable range, but they needed the packs to hit the shelves within weeks.
Sharrocks talked to their existing equipment supplier who told them there would be a 12 week turn around on the order, so when Packaging Automation said it could supply a bespoke machine and tooling within two weeks, Sharrocks was initially sceptical.
However, Packaging Automation was good as its word and supplied an entry level PA182 semiautomatic rotary table heat sealing machine, which was immediately put to use packing the new line of pre-prepared vegetables.
A number of features have helped make the PA182 such a success. The semi-automatic, twin station machine is designed to be flexible by allowing tray size changeovers in just two minutes.
The system can seal and trim film from a reel onto trays of various materials including, but not limited to, CPET, polypropylene, PVC, board and foil.
The machine's compact design minimises the space required, allowing it to be easily moved to accommodate changes in production, for example, from one production line to another.
The PA182 is a popular choice throughout the UK food industry, renowned for its ease of use and reliability. The open construction has eliminated bug traps and made the machine very easy to clean, so the highest hygiene standards can be maintained.
The machine is admired for its operational efficiency, flexibility and ease of maintenance.
The PA182 can accommodate larger trays with a depth of up to 100mm as standard and can carry out both atmospheric and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), with upgrades to the latter easily achieved.