Expanded packaging facility aids line integration

The expanded facility, situated in New Richmond, accommodates two full VFFS lines, complete with secondary packaging capabilities (such as case erecting, loading and closing). With completion of the $850,000 (approximately €640,000) project, the company can offer product feeding to VFFS machines for extended runs, and temperature and humidity control to simulate the specifics of any manufacturer’s factory environment.

Meeting demand​

Paul Garms, Bosch Packaging Technology marketing representative, told FoodProductionDaily.com that demand for its services necessitated the expansion of the VFFS testing facility.

“Our previous VFFS test facility had limited space for full line integration and testing, specifically the integration of secondary packaging following the VFFS baggers​,” he said. “Increasingly, customers are coming to Bosch for our Module++ capabilities (our term for integrating standard modular machines into automated lines), so the additional space to integrate full packaging lines was needed​.”

Manufacturers handling fresh and frozen foods, confectionery items and other products can use the test facility to simulate their line setup and ensure its functionality. Staff at the facility offers a wide range of services, including line integration, engineering, parts fabrication, assembly, testing and troubleshooting.

Integration services​

Garms said personnel at the facility can help food packaging professionals design new lines, reconfigure existing lines, incorporate new equipment into existing lines, and more.

“We have decades of experience designing and integrating lines and can advise food-manufacturing clients on the best options given their budget and automation objectives​,” he said.

In addition, customers visiting the facility can access equipment training and familiarization, which reportedly can help ensure smoother start- and ramp-up of their production. Available training ranges from simple hands-on operation during the factory acceptance testing (FAT) to certified Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) classroom training for operators and mechanics, including PMMI-certification testing at the end of the training modules.

Packaging equipment​

In addition to the testing facility, Bosch Packaging technology offers a variety of VFFS technologies, including both continuous and intermittent vertical baggers with its SVE and SVI series, as well as heat and ultrasonic sealing technologies. Other equipment includes vertical baggers (which reportedly can produce a range of pack styles), and secondary equipment designed for easy integration into fully automated lines.

The facility has a history of serving the food packaging industry. Bosch Packaging Technology acquired the structure in 2004 from Doboy Inc., a firm that has been packaging food products since the 1870s.