Packaging Automation helps launch new line

Leading Irish poultry producer Oaktree Foods had just one word to describe the equipment and service it has received from the UK's leading tray sealer supplier, Packaging Automation - impressive.

The company, part of O'Kane Poultry, one of Ireland's largest poultry processors with over 500 product lines, contacted Packaging Automation when it wanted to launch a new line of chicken burgers for Marks and Spencer, and was impressed by the company's attention to detail and level of support.

An invitation to visit Packaging Automation's test kitchens, where samples of the new line were produced, helped to convince Oaktree that Packaging Automation was the best choice to supply the equipment - a PA2016MAP-V machine - which Oaktree decided to hire.

The PA2016 is an automatic rotary table top machine for heat sealing reel-fed film, pre-cut foil, paper or laminate lids to preformed trays and containers, which makes it ideal for the Oaktree Foods operation.

It has become a popular machine in Packaging Automation's hire fleet, due in part to its versatility, ease of use and the company's speedy response times - which can take producers from initial concept to supermarket shelf in just 10 days.

Oaktree's maintenance manager, Brian Turkington, is delighted with the PA2016 which he uses to pack in vacuum/gas format when dealing with fresh produce and switches to atmospheric for the company's frozen products.

"We were not sure if the new range would be a success which is why the hire option was so appealing to us in the first instance - it gave us a low cost option to market a new line without the financial risk," said Mr Turkington.

"But now we are finding the machine so useful that we are considering going back to Packaging Automation and signing a purchase deal".

"It is so easy to use and to keep clean - and in an environment like ours, hygiene is so important.

Already Mr Turkington has returned to the company's Cheshire base to place an order for an extra tool - to augment the four sets already in operation - which was fitted to the PA2016 to handle a foil tray so the company could hit the Christmas market by packing its own line of stuffing which also found its way on to the MandS shelves.

Meanwhile Mr Turkington continues to be impressed - by the level of aftersales service he has received.

''When we've needed any aftersales support, an engineer has been able to help us solve any issues by 'talking us through it' rather than having to send an engineer over to the site.

Packaging Automation's sales manager Neil Ashton said the accolades from Oaktree highlighted the benefits of hiring equipment".

""'We can respond quickly to customers' needs and, as we don't have a minimum hire period, this option is a cost-effective means for our customers to gain entry to new markets or develop new products with a minimum of investment,'' he said.

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