FDBusiness.com

A recent installation of PA’s Revolution tray sealer at Evesham based Valefresh has dramatically improved the efficiencies and reduced costs of their grape tray sealing line. Valefresh are a packing site based in Evesham and part of the Fresca Group. They handle storage, ripening, packing and distribution of fruit and vegetables to the major supermarkets.

The Revolution is the fastest most energy efficient single lane tray sealing machine on the market and features PA’s Powerdrive^TM fully electric technology.  Interpolated multi axis robotic motion ensures a continuous flow of trays through the machine from infeed to outfeed eliminating any need for pauses or buffering allowing the throughput of up to 150 packs per minute.  The seal force has been increased by 300% compared to pneumatic systems however PA’s novel technology allows the tool lift mechanism to be deactivated during the seal process therefore significantly reducing the energy usage.

Paul Gardner production manager at Valefresh says: “PA has really thought outside the box with this system, the Revolution ticks all the boxes, it’s flexible with a small footprint and we’ve had no downtime to date. The continuous flow of product allows us to run more effectively, the simple loading and unloading of tooling and films is very quick, reducing further downtime. The hygienic nature and access design of the machine helps us with the clean downs and simple operator maintenance.”

He continues: “The Revolution was chosen to increase productivity, and reduce costs, it has achieved all the objectives set out at the beginning of the project, the machine produces the lowest cost per pack and we’re already making significant cost savings. Our overall experience of PA has been first class; from the first initial contact to the installation and commissioning of the line, I have been very impressed. I would recommend PA to anyone looking for a high speed, high quality top seal machine with an excellent after sales service.”

PA can offer customers a tray sealer or pot filler for a wide range of applications in the food industry including fresh produce packing such as salad, tomato, strawberry and soft fruit packing, fish, seafood, meat and chicken packing (including vacuum packing and skin packing), ready meal sealing and packing, and pot or tub denesting, filling and sealing for puddings and sauces.

Full packing lines can be specified and installed to include tray denesting, conveyoring, tray filling, film sealing including modified atmosphere packing (MAP) facilities. Foil tray sealing as well as plastic tray sealing can be accommodated on all machines as standard. For further information contact Packaging Automation of Tel +44 (0)1565 755000 or visit www.pal.co.uk.