Ultrapak supplies trays for Dutch vegetable processor's new factory

Vegetable processor Hessing Supervers began using its brand-new production facility in the Netherlands in the spring of 2023. That went hand in hand with a major operation: relocating 15 processing lines from its existing sites to the new factory. "Not an easy job," says Jeroen Spruit, NPR purchasing and investment manager at Hessing. "Remember, we process around 320,000 kilos of fruit and vegetables into 850 different fresh products daily."

For its packaging lines, the company worked closely with Ultrapak. This Dutch company supplies food packaging machines and peripheral equipment, including destackers, metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, and robots, via its sister company, Jansen Techniek. According to Jeroen, this partnership is going very well.

From U setup to straight lines
At the new location, the packaging machines are arranged in straight lines rather than a U shape. "That was challenging. And we didn't have to compromise on speed, capacity, or quality," says Jeroen. The lines use Ultrapak's Sealpac A7max tray sealers, which perform well in both large and smaller production runs.

Reliable in humid conditions
A significant advantage is that the machinery keeps performing reliably, even in the new site's humid environment. It also requires minimal manual adjustment, is user-friendly, and easy to clean. "Even beginners can operate them."

Quick service, smart technology
Ultrapak offers rapid technical support, too. "When I have a question, I get an immediate answer," explains Jeroen. Project manager Gert Nout points to the built-in industrial PCs that enable remote support. Thanks to the integrated operational data acquisition system, production figures, downtime, changes, and malfunctions are continuously recorded. That data is available in text and graph form, and you can access it using a USB port or a central system.

Automation an option by adding components
The lines at the new facility are primarily intended for meal salads and lettuce trays. Each has four scales, but the products sometimes contain up to eight ingredients. "Things like sauce, croutons, or tomatoes are added manually," Jeroen points out. Full automation is technically possible, but it depends on capacity further down the line. For now, Hessing is focusing its investments on more urgent bottlenecks, partly because staff are now more readily available than before.

Sustainable packaging solutions
Ultrapak also supports Hessing in its sustainable packaging efforts. Their tray sealer packs come standard in mono-APET or mono-rPET, both of which are fully recyclable. Alternatives, like coated cardboard or aluminum trays, are also possible without needing equipment adjustments, provided the packaging format remains the same.

However, cardboard is not always the most sustainable or cost-effective option, says sales manager Peter Roorda. "Plastic has a bad image, but our sector has been at the forefront of recyclable plastics for years. Something that's often overlooked," he concludes.

For more information
Ultrapak
Tel.: +31 (0)88 331 03 31
info@ultrapak.nl
www.ultrapak.nl

Hessing Supervers
info@hessing.eu
www.hessingsupervers.nl