FDBusiness.com

An excellent reputation for supplying high quality depositors and filling machines has
secured Riggs Autopack a recent order from TCD Foods Ltd, a North-East company
producing fine quality chilli sauces, jam, condiments and marinades.
TCD Foods, otherwise known as Tree’s Can’t Dance, began growing chillies on their
Northumberland farm over 5 years ago and it wasn’t long before the company started
producing their own range of high quality sauces. They now grow in excess of 60 varieties
of chillies from every corner of the world which provide their products with an authentic
taste.
Initially, they sold to farmers markets and local shows across the north-east region. The
combination of using fresh homegrown ingredients, no artificial additives, small scale
manufacturing and attention to detail, gave their products a unique quality, which soon led
to well known high street names taking an interest and stocking their sauces.
They now supply chilli sauces, jam, chutney, pickles and marinades to a broad range of
farm shops and delicatessens throughout the UK, as well as providing a contract packing
service to artisan food producers. They also supply their goods regionally to Tesco and
Sainsbury’s, and 30% of finished goods are now exported all across the world.
Since inception, the company has come a long way and undergone a steep expansion
path. They initially sub-contracted their packing requirements but with demand increasing
and new lines constantly being added to the range, the owners decided to bring production
in-house. In December 2010, TCD Foods completed a purpose built food production
factory in Haltwhistle, Northumberland, and prior to opening, new filling machines had
been high on the production process agenda.
This was to be the company’s first step into semi-automated production, and it was
paramount that when sourcing a new filling machine, they had confidence in a well
established and industry respected manufacturer. The staff at TCD Foods take great pride
in their products and finished goods contain exceptional quality standards; they therefore
required a damage free and highly accurate form of depositing products into jars, bottles
and pouches.
Machine versatility was key to TCD Foods. They required just one filling machine to
deposit jam, chutney and pickles into 227ml glass jars, sauces into 100ml bottles, and
open then fill half kilo plastic pouches with 150 gm of BBQ marinades.

With almost 40 years design and build experience, Lancashire based Riggs Autopack Ltd
manufacture high quality depositors and filling machines for the food production industry.
TCD Food’s directors had seen Riggs’ filling equipment in operation at other food
production premises and were particularly impressed by the accuracy of fill, versatililty,
hygiene, ease of use and build quality. Subsequently, they contacted Riggs Autopack to
help enhance their own food production process.
Following initial consultation, Riggs were soon able to recommend a suitable filling
machine to fulfill the company’s specific food manufacturing needs. Following a successful
machine trial held at TCD’s Haltwhistle premises, they placed an order with Riggs
Autopack for a bespoke Model 1000 Option 1 semi-automatic filling machine. It was
supplied with a twin skin 100 litre hopper for hot product filling, height adjustable filling
table, choice of depositing nozzles to suit their varied container types, and an integrated
conical pouch opener which uses food grade quality air to open stand-up plastic pouches.
TCD Foods director Mr Dan May is delighted with the new filling machine. He commented
“In our business it is all about forming relationships and we have developed an excellent
one with Riggs Autopack; they understand our industry very well and obviously that helps.
During initial discussions, they quickly understood our specific production requirements
and have provided us with a cost effective solution that is fulfilling all our manufacturing
demands.’’
“The filling machine is extremely versatile which was a vital necessity for us.It’s easy to use, hygienic and simple to clean with impressive change over times, ideal for coping with our rates of production. The depositing accuracy offered by the machine is excellent and we have been thoroughly impressed with the level of service received from their staff. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others”