MACKIE’S of Scotland has unveiled a new packaging machine capable of filling 30 bags of ice per minute, in what the firm said represents a ‘monumental leap forward’ in packaging technology.
The move comes as the Aberdeenshire-headquartered business looks to significantly increase its production of spring water ice, after it sold more than 2.5 million bags of the product in 2023. The new machine is hoped to result in increased production capacity by up to three million additional bags per year.
Representing a £300,000 investment, the machine bags the ice, then combines six bags of ice into a carry-bag for transport, before finally stacking the carry bags onto a pallet – with the robotic stacking arm learning as it goes to find the most efficient means of building the pallets.
Stuart Common, MD at Mackie’s of Scotland, said, “This new ice packaging machine represents a monumental leap forward in packaging technology. Unlike traditional packaging machines, this state-of-the-art equipment focuses on enhancing packaging efficiency in order to boost capacity.
“This six-figure investment into our ice production process underscores our commitment to the business’ growth, while also slotting seamlessly into our wider environmentally-focussed refrigeration upgrades, which are the first of their kind in Scotland.”
The increased ice production capacity makes use of the company’s low-carbon refrigeration system, which reduces refrigeration-related energy use by using natural refrigerant gasses and biomass power.
Mackie’s is also home to one of Europe’s largest ice producing machines, using a process which chops long tubes of ice into cubes as they detach from a cooling cylinder. The system can produce up to 50 tonnes of ice each day.
Stuart continued, “Mackie’s ice cream has already been added to more than 1,000 new UK stores this year, and with our improved ice production capacity we hope to see similarly strong growth for our bags of ice over the rest of 2024. Installing this new equipment has allowed us to scale up manufacturing of our ice cubes, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and quality. We’re proud to lead the way in the industry, while still minimising our environmental impact.”
