BluePrint Automation launches RGP gravity case packer

BluePrint Automation (BPA) jumps into the future with the launch of the new RGP gravity case packer. BPA calls it gravity reinvented. They mean the ‘compacter,’ an ingenious vibrating technique that ensures frozen products, such as potato products and vegetables, are set in a controlled manner. Because of that, more bags can fit in the box, resulting in economic and environmental advantages, or to put it in management terms: a lower TCO (total cost of ownership) and footprint.

However, the new packing line has more characteristics, which emphasise environmental friendliness. The introduction was celebrated with an inspiring in-house event, which attracted about a hundred contacts from all over the world. “We will receive you in the factory, because we want to show you how we work,” said André Verkleij, managing director BPA Netherlands. 

The theme of the strictly directed and well-attended event was ‘creating the future.’ Key-note speakers were international trend watcher and futurist Richard van Hooijdonk and Erik Hemmes, specialist in supermarkets and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods). Richard van Hooijdonk took the party into the future during a 45-minute journey through time. A roller coaster experience, because Richard put both disruptive powers and unprecedented possibilities of technology in the spotlight. “It could be you start feeling a bit odd,” Richard said at the end of his presentation. His story has that effect on people who don’t immediately want to or are not able to embrace the new technology. To be future-proof, it’s necessary that companies incorporate young talent, he emphasises.

The next presentation by Erik Hemmens brought relief. “Changes in supermarkets, especially in the Netherlands, are very gradual,” he said. Innovations such as digital pricing systems and creative digital solutions for paying for the daily shopping aren’t embraced. “There’s a brake on change, supermarkets are very much cost-driven.” Developments that are gradually being implemented are adding to experience in shops and being able to do your shopping online, and consumers using pick-up points to pick up their shopping, or having it delivered at home. A development that has taken flight is the meal kits and boxes.

Martin used his presentation to enthusiastically work towards the highlight of the event: revealing and demonstrating the RGP gravity case packer. BPA made it exciting, because professional cyclists Ellen van Dijk and Floortje Mackaij first had to break the 250-metre track record on a tandem bicycle. Encouraged by the audience, the women, who recently won a world title with their team in Norway, made record time with 13.35 seconds (the previous record was 14.06 seconds). 

And then the RGP gravity case packer was finally revealed, and a demonstration of all its power was given. A trans-Atlantic and multidisciplinary team worked on the developments of the case packer, and leading design requirements were ease of use, safety and reliability. Four engineers showed that the case packer meets these requirements during the demonstration. And finally, visitors were allowed to wander around the factory at their leisure.