FDBusiness.com

Leeways Packaging Services has invested in a new Illig RDK 80K automatic pressure forming machines. The kit is installed at its production facility based in Gloucestershire.

This recent acquisition is in addition to the £2m already invested over the last 24 months on various plant and machinery increasing their capacity up to 900 million trays per year.

This new RDK 80k incorporates the latest controls and technology associated with the “IC intelligent control” established recently by Illig on all its roll fed thermoforming machines.

Its adaptive technology allows for cycle speed optimization with quick acting valves, overlapping time sequencings, and accurate control. At the same time the machine also delivers on the well-established ethos of flexibility, repeatability, quick tool change and ease of operation, and is readily equipped to process all the major commodity plastics such as PS, PVC, APET, RPET and PP.

Lee Walding, Leeways managing director, said: “The last 12 months have been great for Leeways. We have seen an increased level of business in not only food packaging, but diversification in to new markets sectors. The level of investment we have made over the last 2 years is part of the company’s drive to increase capacity, maximise production efficiencies and reduce lead times to meet demand.”

Established in 1971, Leeways has grown to become one of the leading suppliers of thermoformed plastic packaging and process solutions in the UK. Its facilities exceed 145,000 square feet and include manufacturing, distribution and warehousing divisions based in the heart of Gloucestershire.