The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
Packaging solutions company Harpak-Ulma has launched the FR 400 Twin Flow Wrapper, a horizontal wrapper solution promising to offer ‘exceptional’ throughput. The solution aims to revolutionise high-volume automated packaging operations. Its compact design makes it ideal for facilities with limited floor space or those seeking to expand packaging throughput in existing production environments, Harpak-Ulma said. The FR 400 Twin delivers two fully functional FR 400 horizontal flow-wrap machines within the footprint of a single legacy line, doubling throughput within the existing physical constraints of a single, stand-alone flow-wrap installation. It delivers up to 700 PPM, or 70 metres per minute of film speed per lane, depending on product size and characteristics, for up to 1400 PPM. While utilising a shared frame and HMI for centralised control, the machines are designed for full independent operation, enabling the lines to continue running separately regardless of the other’s operational status. The interface has been designed with user-friendliness in mind, simplifying set-up, operation and maintenance so operators can quickly switch between different product configurations. Harpak-Ulma said the technology is built with high quality materials and components, engineered to withstand the rigours of continuous production and ensure a long service life with minimal downtime. Josh Becker, bakery segment manager at Harpak-Ulma, said: “For high-capacity snack, bar, cookie, bakery or confectionary operations seeking to efficiently scale production throughput sans physical plant expansions, the innovative, compact, high-performance FR 400 Twin horizontal wrapper should be very attractive”. He added that efficiency is a keynote of the solution, enabling producers to scale effectively without a one-to-one operator relationship. “Mirroring the FR 400 Twin delivers four machines but requires only one operator,” he commented. “The labour savings are obvious — as well as the realisation of redundant line capabilities.”