Hire tray sealing line helps capture seasonal barbecue meats market

The commercial advantages of hiring top-line packaging equipment to meet seasonal peaks have been endorsed by one UK food producer using Packaging Automation Ltd tray sealers.

Holmesterne Farm Co Ltd in North Yorkshire, principally a pork producer, is enjoying increasing success with its seasonal line of packaged barbecue meats such as pork spare ribs, as well as a chicken drumstick line.

And for the past two years, to help it meet the increased volumes generated by its barbecue meat ranges between May and mid-September, Holmesterne has hired a Vision 182 tray sealer from Packaging Automation.

Holmesterne's principal customers, which include national UK supermarket chains, are also eager to grow this key seasonal market and Holmesterne needs to have capacity to meet this increased demand.

The compact inline machine automatically heat seals reel-fed film lids to preformed aluminium trays at Holmesterne and comfortably handles an average throughput of approximately 8000 trays per day - 26 trays per minute - with five product changes efficiently accommodated. Pack weights vary from 400-600 g.

The Vision 182 facilitates very quick tool changes, and product changes are further aided by its PLC control and easy-to-use touch screen with menu-driven operation.

Working a single shift six-day week, Holmesterne envisages progressing from a hired packing line to buying permanent equipment in future because it has been so encouraged by the performance of the equipment.

Holmesterne was so impressed with the operation of the Vision 182 that it took the decision this year to hire an additional PA machine - a PA182 - to supplement the capacity provided by the Vision182. With the PA182, operators can switch from one tray size or shape to another in just two minutes and the machine's portability and compact design mean it can be quickly relocated to accommodate production changes.