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Product category: General packaging materials, equipment and services
News Release from: Packaging Automation | Subject: Starwheel
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial Team on 31 October 2006

Container Filling And Lidding System
Does Not Clog

Packaging Automation believes it will be able to increase its presence in non-food markets with the introduction of its enhanced Starwheel machine.

Packaging Automation believes it will be able to increase its presence in non-food markets with the introduction of its enhanced Starwheel machine The rotary filling, sealing and over-lidding machine has been approved by Nottinghamshire (UK) cleaning products specialist Simsell, which has installed a Starwheel at its factory to fill and lid containers of a hard-surface multi-purpose cleaner

The machine has been fitted with peristaltic pumps, which do not get clogged up, enhancing the reliable filling operation of the machine.

Packaging Automation's foray in to a new market has been achieved thanks to a number of initiatives and because of the company's reputation, said the company.

Simsell's managing director Simon Iles, who founded the company seven years ago, explained how he had been put in touch with Packaging Automation by the Alternative Supply Company, the Northumberland enterprise that provides him with the pots for the cleaning paste.

The word-of-mouth recommendation was followed by Packaging Automation agreeing to conductive exhaustive trials at its Cheshire headquarters, which impressed Iles with their thoroughness.

He said: "There were a few challenges at the beginning of the project as this was a new product for PA.

But the company persisted until it got it right and you can't fault them for that.'' Nor will Iles fault the machine: "It is producing between 15,000 and 25,000 containers a week and coping exceptionally well with those amounts." The cleaning paste, which can be used on most hard surfaces around the house, is sold via a television shopping channel and through demonstrations at ideal homes-type exhibitions nationwide.

The Starwheel, which is available in either single or double format, is claimed to achieve a speed of up to 100 pots a minute and can accommodate a range of sizes from 20mm to 110mm deep making it suitable for filling a range of products, as the smooth transition from food to cleaner readily testifies.

The machine is purpose-built in stainless steel and its open layout ensures easy cleaning access for the highest of hygiene standards, claimed Packaging Automation.

A design overhaul has led to lighter and simpler change parts to make change-overs much easier to maintain output.

Packaging Automation's sales engineer Mark Leaning said: "Because of the abrasive nature of Simsell's product and because it was the first time we had been called on to tackle anything like it, we carried out extensive filling trials.

And that is something we are always prepared to do for any customer, with the aim of meeting their individual specifications, no matter how exacting." He added: "The work we have done with Simsell has proved that the Starwheel is capable of tackling a widening range of products.

The machine is already used by a leading cosmetic and skin care company, as well as many applications in the food sector.

This latest success has opened up big new markets for us and we are delighted.''.

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