FDBusiness.com

Flavourfresh Solfresh group is one of the leading salads producers in theUKwhose business focuses entirely on the growing, packaging and distribution of tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries.

Packaging Automation has been a supplier to Flavourfresh for nearly a decade ever since the retailers started to demand that fresh produce which was previously presented in a flow wrapped pack was switched to sealed punnets. In 2004 after speaking to a number of companies in the packaging machinery market they purchased two automatic tray sealers from PA 

A good relationship developed and when Flavourfresh needed to increase both productivity and efficiency in the packing of tomatoes and strawberries they had no hesitation in returning to PA for new machinery. The decision was taken to purchase a high speed eclipse SL6 tray sealer which was soon followed by an order for a second identical machine.

The SL6 is a high throughput machine capable of sealing up to 100 packs per minute and has provided Flavourfresh with cost and environmental benefits combined with greater efficiency, minimum downtime and a consistent seal on all packs.  For flexibility and long term value the eclipse SL6 can be easily converted to a twin lane machine to give speeds of up to 200 packs per minute.  To save on critical downtime, tool changeovers on the eclipse tray sealers can be done manually in two minutes as a result of an inbuilt tool loading system. The ingenious top tool comprises single impression removable cartridges to enable continued operation during repairs and routine maintenance. Quick release cutting blades on these allow for replacement in seconds and spare cartridges are supplied to enable full capacity operation at all times.

Brendan Gillow Flavourfresh’s Operations Manager said, “We have used PA for a number of years and have always been happy with their performance, efficiency and aftersalescare. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a high speed quality top seal with an aftersalesservicesecond to none.”

Background

Packaging Automation Ltd was established in 1963 and is a leadingUKmanufacturer of tray sealing and pot filling and sealing machinery.

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 fruitpacking, 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.

PA also has experience in the medical and consumer goods sectors offering machinery for blister packing a wide range of products.

For further information please contact:

Packaging Automation Ltd:

Claire Carless

Marketing Assistant

Claire.c@pal.co.uk

or

Samantha Ashton

Commercial Director

sam.a@pal.co.uk

Packaging Automation Ltd

ParkgateIndustrial Park

Knutsford

Cheshire

WA16 8XW

01565 755000

www.pal.co.uk