"From a production point of view, the requirements have changed completely. We are fortunate that we have a large fleet of machines, because this year certain packaging machines - workhorses in terms of the quantities produced in previous years - have not sold. I am referring in particular to the flow-pack machines for basket packaging, which suffered a setback. Flow-pack machines are still in demand for bulk products, but only in a few countries," explains Valerio Nucci, founder of the Italian company GNA, based in the heart of the Emilian packaging valley.
Valerio and Massimiliano Nucci
"On the other hand, there is strong demand for standard vertical packaging machines, horizontal flow pack machines such as the AV550 with a bottom web for film or paper applications on loose products, without trays, and solutions for inserting lids on cartons. This is all in line with the trend to use less packaging material," he says.
Assembly and testing area for GNA solutions
"Compared to the standardization of the past, the wide diversification of the solutions offered requires great commitment, careful project management and a very efficient after-sales service. Standardization is being lost because there are so many variables, even for our customers," continues Nucci. "We are mainly focused on foreign markets, where it is less difficult for us to work, as we are a medium-sized company. On our side, however, we have (a few!) well-trained and experienced workers. Our aim is not to mass produce, but to produce little and well, diversifying ourselves for immediacy, quality and punctuality."
The GNA team
Finally, on the possibility of forming partnerships or mergers with other companies, GNA's founder reports: "To a certain extent, we are doing this with several companies, in particular one in the south of Italy, which supports us in the service and sales phase. However, I am aware that it is a very difficult process to combine different needs and compensate for each other's shortcomings, without one side or the other taking advantage of the other."
Preview of the 2024 innovation
The various sectors, including fruit and vegetables, are demanding ever greater performance from packaging machines. And all innovations are based on specific customer requirements. Hence Robinia, GNA's new continuous vertical packaging machine.
"Continuous, because we are going to make the bag or pouch without stopping the unwinding of the film reel. The market demand was for this type of machine to be made in stainless steel, hygienic and as open as possible, i.e. with the frame in view, a feature increasingly requested by customers. We are currently in the testing phase of the Robinia, which represents the physiological evolution of our experience with previous horizontal alternating machines, with a synchronisation between mechanics and electronics. We have developed all the electronic movements together with our partner Omron."
Massimiliano Nucci, Design and R&D Manager at GNA, adds: "Another new feature of our Robinia is the ability to perform and manage multiple product unloads from the weigher ahead of us in the processing line, so that we can manage the drop time. We do this by giving the discharge command to the weigher before the first unit of product arrives at our continuous vertical packaging machine."
Evolution of the operator panel on GNA machines
Designed to delivery bags up to 350 mm wide, with a maximum packaging speed of 100 Rpm, Robinia is equipped with a multi-protocol operator panel with a 10" screen, which grants to satisfay all the functional needs, such as remote connection of the machine to external systems for diagnostic and remote assistance purposes, and connection to MES (Manufacturing Execution System) for the production's management and control. All documentation (wiring diagrams, use and maintenance manual and exploded views) can also be consulted from the operator panel.
Speed is always a determining factor in a customer's choice of machine. "But you have to take into account the performance of the feeding systems already in place. Robinia is a machine that has an interesting target market in the fresh-cut, frozen, dried fruit and snacks sectors, mainly using pillow bags. All heat-sealable materials can be used on this vertical packaging machine," concludes Nucci.
For more information:
GNA s.r.l.
Via Progresso, 15 - z.i. Ponte Rizzoli
40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO) - Italy
Tel.: +39 051 799226
Fax: +39 051 796962
info@gnasrl.com
www.gnasrl.com