FDBusiness.com

Paramount Packaging Systems – exclusive distributor of Fuji Machinery Company’s horizontal and vertical form-fill-seal equipment in the UK and Ireland – is reporting increasing demand for its technologically advanced Alpha VII flow-wrapping equipment with food processors, manufacturers and packers rejecting lower cost systems in favour of performance, speed and the ability to add value to the business in the long term.

Small producers looking to automate a line for the first time or major blue chips wanting to improve an existing operation are choosing Paramount Packaging’s Fuji flow-wrappers for the production of more sophisticated packaging styles that offer enhanced integrity. These efficient and versatile systems can handle a wider variety of materials for wrapping products across all industry sectors, including meat, bakery, dairy, fresh produce and snacks.

John Roberts, Managing Director at Paramount Packaging comments: “Having experienced efficiency and quality issues with lower end form-fill-seal systems, food manufacturers are opting for high performance flow-wrappers like our Fuji Alpha VII models that boast cutting edge technology and well-engineered components. They recognise the value of these more robust machines that can be easily adapted in line with changing trends and the desire for different packaging types and designs. These features combine to ensure a low life time cost of ownership and enhanced operational efficiency.”

Improved seal quality and better management of gas flushing has also resulted in increased demand for Paramount Packaging’s Fuji flow-wrappers. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been boosted by the need for longer shelf life products in high growth fresh food categories. Recent food industry scandals have prompted the introduction of more stringent regulations, with safety and the integrity of packaging an on-going concern for retailers. Manufacturers are responding to the demanding regulatory environment by investing in new equipment.

Plant and production managers want maximum versatility across their capital equipment, choosing form-fill-seal systems that have the flexibility and capability to wrap both existing and new products, as well as cope with any increases in work flow.

With a shortage of skilled staff, reduced labour costs and the influx of migrant workers, demand for flow-wrappers to be extremely easy to operate, clean and maintain is higher than ever.

Paramount Packaging’s Alpha VII flow-wrappers offer intuitive user interfaces and large colour LCD displays with pictures, words and illustrations for simplicity, as well as minimum operation interference and quick changeover. Instruction manuals can be provided on the PC and are available to the operator or maintenance staff through the Windows-based HM and flowchart-style troubleshooting guides allows for rapid diagnosis of problems and faults. Pop up messages help avoid mistakes and assist operators.

Electronic changes such as cut off length and sealing jaw trimming can be done by PC whilst mechanical alterations like former width and end sealer height requiring operator intervention is shown on scale screen with an image of the item to be changed for clarity and check box. Food manufacturers continuously look for ways to increase efficiencies and output prompting the need for effective integration of automation and feed systems, or the ability to achieve this at a later date.

John adds: “We are delighted at this on-going, significant shift in the flow-wrapping buying process with food companies recognising the benefit of long-term investment and not short term gain. Our Fuji Alpha VII machines apply cutting edge technology to achieve pack quality and operational efficiency, whilst ensuring precise operation, product integrity, reduced energy and fast changeover.

“Our horizontal flow-wrappers and automatic infeeds are designed to last, provide low life time cost of ownership, help decrease labour costs and provide maximum uptime,” he concludes.