Packaging line upgrade delivers range of benefits for food development firm

YPS packaging line

YORKSHIRE Packaging Systems (YPS) has revealed how a recent packaging line upgrade has enabled a food development company to discover ‘significant’ improvements in usability and flexibility.

The company produces bespoke baked goods, with a focus on ingredients with nutritional benefit. As the products are developed and created on behalf of other food companies, there is a wide variety in finished size of product.

Packaging requirements such as collations required and materials used, including branded and non-branded films, are all defined by the onward customer to their own needs.

“The company’s previous line had been purchased from YPS some considerable time ago and has served them well, with extensive use,” explained YPS MD Glyn Johnson. “It had come time for the company to replace it and, as they’d appreciated the service and support we delivered last time, they returned to discuss their new requirements with us.”

Discussions of their requirements followed by demonstrations of the latest models led the company to opt for a Pratika MPE X2 fully-automatic l-sealer, as well as a new shrink tunnel and conveyor.

YPS said key to the decision was the ‘ease of use’ of the new l sealer, especially the simple way to save recipes for different products. This feature is designed to enable quick and easy changeovers.

The HMI boasts 180° movement so can be positioned for the operator’s convenience. The HMI is paired with the compatible shrink tunnel for total control of the whole operation from the same spot. YPS added that the low-level film holder, batwing doors and extended infeed conveyor make loading of film and products ‘much safer and easier’.

The versatility of the l sealer, including its height adjustable sealing jaw, is also said to have proved ideal for the variety in the producer’s range and is also ‘significantly quicker’ than the previous line.

To complete the package, YPS helped the customer to specify an appropriate film for optimal performance of the system. The film selected contains 30% recycled content and is ultra-thin for savings in plastic use.

“The customer is delighted with the equipment supplied, which delivers more benefit than they’d originally hoped for,” Glyn added. “The included service contract also gives them peace of mind that they can get to grips with the new system with our support. It was a pleasure to work with them again and to find a solution that has helped to move their production forward.”