FDBusiness.com

Grange Packaging and Distribution is producing pouch packs for Kellogg’s and Fox’s Biscuits, using Ilapak’s Vegatronic 4000 continuous film motion, VFFS (vertical, form, fill and seal) packaging machines. The high speed machines are producing snack packs for Fox’s Rocky packs and Kellogg’s cereals.

Grange first installed an Ilapak Vegatronic 4000 machine three years ago, producing pouch packs, since then demand for the eye-catching, stand-up packs has risen significantly, prompting Grange to install a further Vegatronic machine to meet growing demand.

The attractive, free-standing packs produced by the Vegatronic achieve excellent on-shelf product differentiation and are fitted with Euro holes so they can be presented on a hanging point-of-sale display for effective merchandising. The packs are also popular with consumers as they are easy to open.

Comments Grange’s engineering supervisor Mike O ‘Brien: “We installed our first high speed Vegatronic 4000 three years ago and it has been extremely successful. With market demand increasing substantially, most new clients now ask for the pouch design so the new Vegatronic machine has enabled us to increase capacity to meet the demand for this type of presentation.”

“The machines are very versatile, producing pouch packs at high speeds, allowing us to maximise productivity. They are reliable and run 100% every shift. With their touchscreens, our operators also find them easy to use.”

As well as producing attractive, high quality packs, the Vegatronic 4000 is capable of high speeds – Grange is producing up to 55 packs a minute – thanks to its continuous film motion design.

The Vegatronic uses a continuous film motion to form a bag from a single reel of wrapping material, unwound at a constant speed while filling and sealing the bag simultaneously. To ensure high seal quality, the Vegatronic uses Loadcell technology to ensure accurate film tracking.

In addition, the Vegatronic’s motorised horizontal sealing jaws cushion the products’ drop, making it ideal for handling biscuits and other delicate snack food products. Another important benefit is the Vegatronic’s open-frame design, which makes it easy to clean and maintain, helping manufacturers meet the stringent regulations of the food industry.

Continues Mike O’Brien: “When we decided to install an additional bagging machine, it was an automatic decision to go for another Vegatronic 4000. It produces attractive packs with the speed and efficiency that we need to meet our clients’ production requirements. We have several Ilapak machines and they are all very reliable, offering great performance. Ilapak’s service engineers offer excellent training and support and they are a good company to work with.”