ULMA Packaging UK has installed a TFS 500 thermoforming machine at seafood producer Orkney Crab’s premises.
The move is designed to help the Orkney-based business improve efficiency, consistency and pack presentation for whole crab and lobster.
Orkney Crab specialises in processing shellfish sourced from local waters for UK and international markets. As production volumes increased, the company required a packaging solution capable of handling the natural variation in size, shape and weight associated with whole crab, while still delivering an attractive and uniform finished pack.
Following trials at ULMA’s demonstration facility, where Orkney Crab ran its own product on the TFS 500, the firm chose to invest in the system. The machine is used to pack medium-to large-sized whole crabs, with the flexibility to run lobster on the same line. It also offers dual-crab capability, allowing two crabs to be thermoformed in a single cycle when size permits.
Since commissioning, ULMA said the TFS 500 has delivered ‘reliable, high-throughput performance’, helping Orkney Crab to reduce waste and improve pack consistency. The thermoformer’s ability to produce ‘exceptionally clear and consistent’ presentation has helped to showcase the premium products.
Carla Brown, office & dispatch manager at Orkney Crab, said, “Seeing our own product running on the TFS 500 at ULMA’s demo site gave us complete confidence. Since installation, the machine has been incredibly reliable and delivers a consistently high-quality pack, even with a challenging product like whole crab.”
A spokesperson for ULMA Packaging UK added, “Whole crab is one of the most demanding products to thermoform, so this project was a great opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility and robustness of the TFS 500. Working closely with the Orkney Crab team during trials and installation allowed us to fine-tune the solution to their exact requirements and we’re delighted to see the results it is now delivering in live production.”
