BluePrint 'keeps it simple' with energy-saving rotary gate packer.

Buoyed by a wave of manufacturing plant expansion and modernization in recent years, BluePrint Automation BV is working hard to fill orders for its end-of-line case packing systems.

"More investments are being made by frozen potato and vegetable processors--not only for new equipment, but also for replacement machines," said Paul van der Meulen, managing director of the Woerden, Holland-headquartered company. "At the moment, we are very busy."

Demand has risen appreciably for BluePrint's modular Rotary Case Packer, a sixth generation horizontal packing system for the top loading of flexible bags into shipping cases. "No bag handling is required in this inline system," pointed out Mr. Van der Meulen. "Its rotary cassette keeps bags under control throughout the entire process."

The machine, with an automatic size changeover feature, can handle any packing pattern--from lengthwise and crosswise to single and multiple row filling."

The managing director explained that the "keep it simple" Rotary Gate Packer completely eliminates the need for turning, pushing or collating product-filled pillow bags, which typically weigh from 300 grams to five kilos. This reduces overall energy consumption by 48 percent, which of course appeals to frozen food producers looking to cut electricity costs.

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The basic machine set-up consists of a minimal maintenance, stainless steel frame on which modules are placed to fulfill specific functions. The case packing line is created by combining modules, thus facilitating a variety of customized configurations.

The ergonomic and open design is combined with a user-friendly touch screen. The easy-to-clean machine is built for optimal accessibility to all areas where product passes. Complete wash-down versions are available to manufacturers of meat, fish and dairy items which are often produced in harsh processing environments.

In business since 1980, BluePrint Automation has installed over 3,500 case packing systems around the world. Equipment is built in the Netherlands and at two plants in the USA.

For more information, ring [phone] in the Netherlands, or call [phone] in the United States; send an e-mail to [e-mail]; or log on to the company's website: www.blueprintautomation.com.