A flow wrapper project has delivered multiple operational benefits for protein bar production

BW Flexible Systems (BWFS) has installed a complete flow wrapping system at the Nutrition Group  to replace existing equipment that was causing issues.

When Richard Greathead, ceo of Nutrition Group PLC began his search for a manufacturer with bar line expertise and flow wrapping equipment to replace Nutrition Group’s existing line, he remembered Sam Robinson, regional sales manager at BWFS UK.

The main objective for Nutrition Group was to increase capacity dramatically so it could keep up with demand.

After Nutrition Group had invested in a complete line from another manufacturer that took over 18 months to deliver and never ran successfully on the site, Greathead and his team were determined to find reliable machines and also support, to make up for the supply delay caused.

Greathead, together with JP Hildreth (an independent consultancy company) contacted Robinson, who quickly pulled in the broader team to ensure Nutrition Group would finally get the support it required to grow the business. Andrea Balasso, BDM of BWFS and applications engineer Tony Perry and Robinson teamed up to answer all of Nutrition Group’s questions and provide a customised and effective solution.

To demonstrate performance, ease-of-use and high operator satisfaction, the BWFS team took Nutrition Group personnel to see another flow wrapper operating in the field. The BWFS team of engineers and support staff also took samples and films back to the BWFS facility for extensive testing to ensure the flow wrapper would work optimally, by providing high quality seals for the product and meeting the throughput requirements.

Through this attention to detail, proof of experience, and the quality of the system the BWFS team offered, Nutrition Group selected BWFS as a finalist in a lineup of seven competitors.

The installation included:

• a receiving conveyor
• an alignment system
• a transport conveyor
• a  5-metre buffering conveyor
• a row removal station
• a 90-degree orientation belt
• an alignment station
• a 6 belt multi-belt feeder (infeed)
• a BW Schib CO90 flow wrapper (multi jaw) with twin reel autosplice, and
• a discharge conveyor with a built-in rejection system for spliced or empty packs

At the FAT, the customer was thrilled with how well the line ran and the commitment from BWFS’s Italian colleagues. The system was then shipped and installed with a team of engineers from BW Schib, who delivered an efficient and timely service that also exceeded the customer’s expectations as Greathead attests. “The service we have received has been world class,” he said. “I have spent the day with a big smile on my face watching the wrapper, it's a massive relief and a weight off my shoulders to see it running so well.

“Please send my thanks to our Italian colleagues whose professionalism has been exemplary,” he continued.

Tel: 0115 967 8787
Website: www.bwflexiblesystems.com