Following a challenge from number-two multiple Asda, Lincolnshire Field Products Ltd (LFP) has selected tray sealers from Packaging Automation Ltd (PA).

LFP needed to change its packing operation from traditional overwrapping to tray sealed packs and so PA supplied two Vision 400 machines. These machines will seal the 1,000s of packs of cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, purple sprouting broccoli, and mixed vegetables supplied to Asda stores throughout the UK every week.

PA supported LFP, which has no previous experience of tray sealing, by carrying out packaging trials at its base in Cheshire. These trials confirmed the suitability of the chosen packaging materials and ensured the sealed packs met stringent quality standards. And by using a specially designed modified atmosphere film, LFP has been able to achieve longer shelf life for its products. Overall product presentation has been enhanced both through the use of the top sealed tray format and a printed film.

The fully automatic Vision 400, one of Packaging Automation’s latest tray sealers, is suitable for packing a wide range of products with or without MAP. It offers quick and easy tooling and product changes, and benefits from a touch sensitive control screen. The sealed machine bed and stainless steel guarding ensure hygiene and ease of cleaning.

It is amongst an extensive range of tray sealing equipment, catering for all levels of production, available to purchase or hire from PA.

LFP's operations manager Steve Bates explained: “It was vital that we were able to meet the challenge set by Asda at the end of last year. We spoke to a number of people and found that PA could offer exactly what we needed. We were particularly impressed by its willingness to help with preparing sample packs at its trial facility.”

Commenting on the machines, Steve said: “They are operating well. The back-up service PA offers is excellent, and the fact that these are quality British made machines was another factor that impressed us.”