Tradition meets peak performance – flexible packaging solution for the expanding variety of Black Forest specialties

Starting situation

The long-standing family-owned business has been producing high-quality Black Forest ham and sausage specialties since 1975.  Over decades, the formerly regionally focused company has developed into a cutting-edge, export-oriented manufacturer with a production area of several tens of thousands of square meters. A steadily rising demand from home and  abroad and the increasing variety of product formats and packaging sizes entailed growing needs for efficiency, process reliability and flexibility in packaging.

Challenge

Production includes both large batch sizes for the retail market, smaller batches and seasonal specialties. This broad range requires a great deal from packaging technology. Legacy processes could only be scaled to a limited extent and didn’t have the capacity to provide the desired output while keeping packaging quality at a constant high level. Hence the goal was to implement a solution that efficiently processes almost 100% of  production, allowing for quick changes in format and delivering a visually perfect shrink result – in particular for an appealing appearance in the B2C market.

Solution

A GK 652 B was installed for processing large batch sizes and takes over the greater part of total production. It is equipped with a complete cut-off that neatly separates the product right after sealing. Water-cooled sealing bars ensure constant sealing quality consistently even at high cycle times.

In addition, a GK 195 B was integrated, designed particularly for smaller batch sizes and seasonal products. It enables flexible and efficient processing of varying product quantities without compromising the main line.

Both machines convey the products into the AS 860 shrink tunnel. 360-degree shrinking with even wetting from top, bottom and from the sides ensures a particularly homogeneous and high-quality shrink result. The result is a visually perfect end product that boosts sales and meets the critical requirements of the end customer market.