PEEBLES-based machinery provider Evolution is targeting major growth in the food sector after agreeing a deal with French manufacturer Serac to offer their filling machines in the UK and Ireland.
Evolution has previously specialised primarily in the drinks sector, with MBF liquid filling at the heart of its offering. The firm has serviced food companies through the likes of its end of line equipment from TMG and labelling machines from PE. However, what was missing from the portfolio was filling equipment that was suitable for the food sector.
The partnership with Serac and Nova (who are part of the Serac Group) changes that, with Evolution now in a position to offer filling machines that are ideal for the likes of yoghurts, desserts and sauces.
Evolution director Colin Clelland told Packaging Scotland the business had been carefully searching for a company with shared values to fill the gap in the portfolio and expand its offering. He said, “We were looking really for a company that wouldn’t detract in any way from what we’ve built up ourselves with our existing suppliers. We were looking for somebody who had a good reputation, good standards and good reliability of machinery – Serac definitely fit that bill. They are the leaders in a lot of sectors. When talking about weight filling, the accuracy that they can bring is a great advantage to the customer. They’re a company that we can rely on.”
Normal Bell, business development manager at Evolution, described the partnership as a “good fit”, having concluded a deal following several discussions. “Serac use weight filling techniques for their fillers, which provides a greater measurement for the customer and means there’s less waste,” he explained. “The customer is actually saving in the long run. Serac work alongside many other partners to give a full line solution. They’ve actually worked with some of our suppliers in the past. They also put a lot of money into R&D for new equipment and new techniques.
“We’re now involved in a lot more projects within industries that we haven’t been in the past like the dairy industry and edible oils. The other industry Serac is involved with is household and personal care; they’re strong in that industry as well. It’s broadened our horizons as a company.”
Colin highlighted an existing labelling machine customer as one example of where this deal will bring benefits.
“ We didn’t have a filling offering for their product previously but the customer is very excited about the integration of Serac to our offering. The Customer knows very well the Serac product; they know very well Evolution as the local people on the ground. They’re very excited about that combination. I think in situations like that we can add the best parts of Serac and the best parts of Evolution to make for an irrestistible proposition for our customers.”
Colin emphasised the importance of customer service alongside business expansion when adding to the products available. “As we expand our portfolio it is crucial we maintain our excellent standards of customer service; this is vitally important to us,” he said. “We’ve taken on an extra two people within the last two months and will take on more technicians in the coming 6-9 months. We have increased our staff by more than a third in the last 18 months – that gives us a better offering for existing customers, new customers and expands our knowledge as well.”
