UK machine builder sends five units for applying zippers in Italian pasta packing

Line Equipment worked with a producer of HFFS systems to develop a new retrofittable module able to apply zippers to packs of spaghetti, using a profile that is easier to seal.

It might seem logical to assume that Italian machine manufacturers have the pasta packaging market sealed up. But the design and sale of these five applicator units was one of the successes Nottinghamshire-based Line Equipment was able to report at September’s PPMA Show in Birmingham. 

“An Italian horizontal machine manufacturer who specialises in packing spaghetti contacted us regarding fitting zips to bags,” says managing director John Blashkiw. “Our standard zip applicator, which we’ve been manufacturing since 2000, was just not right for their machine. Working with them, we redeveloped the applicator to complement their HFFS machine.”

Line Equipment’s engineers travelled out to Italy to install the systems. “The zip used was an MX13S, a 360 [degree] zip that does not require a separate set of sealing jaws for the zip, making it much easier for the machine manufacturer,” he adds.

Although in the past the UK company has designed systems with Zip-Pak zippers in mind, its applicator systems can be customised to suit most zips from most producers, just as they can be twinned with either horizontal or vertical machines.

Where a retrofit is required to existing HFFS or VFFS equipment, Line Equipment says it is able to send qualified engineers to assess the level of refurbishment required in order to maximise compatibility with its zipper applicator systems.

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www.lineequipment.co.uk