A UK packaging machinery manufacturer has delivered its 25th vertical form fill and seal machine to the potato grower Greenvale. The latest unit, a VFFS model installed at Greenvale's Floods Ferry site in October, is being used to pack fresh small potatoes in finished packs of up to 1kg.
© British Potato Review
Greenvale grows more than 25,000 tons of potatoes annually. Its relationship with the manufacturer dates back to 2001, when the grower first automated baby potato packing with a VFB2000 machine. Subsequent installations, including two VFB4000 units, increased packing speeds from 15 to 45 packs per minute for 1.5kg, 2.5kg, and 5kg packs. The automation also allowed the company to introduce detailed date coding, previously a manual process.
The newly installed machine replaces an older bagger from another supplier that could not support the volume increases expected ahead of Christmas. The model supplied is a constant-motion servo machine capable of producing pack widths up to 400mm at speeds of up to 110 packs per minute. It includes a hinged maintenance panel designed for easier access during servicing.
According to Greenvale, several new supply contracts will require the company to double throughput in the coming months, prompting the line upgrade to maintain capacity and reliability.
Greenvale, established in the 1970s, supplies potatoes to the UK retail, foodservice, wholesale, and processing markets. The company operates two sites, employs more than 370 staff, and works with over 200 potato growers in addition to its own production.
For more information:
Stephanie Cornwall
British Potato Review
Tel: +44 (0) 1778 395055
Email: [email protected]
www.britishpotato.co.uk
