SIG meets new packaging requirements for UK baker

A new packaging style and the need for a future-proofed production line meant British manufacturer Manor Bakeries selected SIG Doboy Linium machines for its market leading Mr Kipling brand.

A new packaging style and the need for a future-proofed production line meant British manufacturer Manor Bakeries selected SIG Doboy Linium machines for its market leading Mr Kipling brand. Manor Bakeries, the UK producer of Mr Kipling brand cakes and Cadbury's Mini Rolls, has installed two SIG Doboy packaging lines at its Stoke on Trent facility in the UK. The new lines, claim SIG Doboy Linium, have enabled the company to stay ahead of its competition with a more convenient new packaging style and have replaced existing hand loaded wrappers. Previously wrapped with six individual cake slices within a single tray, the new packaging enables the wrapping of slices in three twin packs. This not only allows the cakes to stay fresher once opened, but also provides a convenient pack for picnics and school lunches. Manor Bakeries called its new packaging initiative "Project Fresh" and considered a number of different flow wrappers before deciding on the SIG solution. It was the SIG Doboy Linium machines that were eventually selected because they afforded a compact, modular design. Project engineering manager, Ron Spence, explained that, "The cake market is constantly changing and the investment in the wrapping line also had to meet future requirements. The flexibility of the SIG line, provided by its modular nature, met these requirements." After commissioning, SIG worked with Manor Bakeries' engineers to change the sealing jaws. This improved efficiency by reducing the downtime caused by misaligned products. It proved to be a very simple change to make, with very little disruption to the production flow. The SIG Doboy Linium machines run through the night and pack up to 240 packs a minute, faster than the original specification from Manor Bakeries. In use, the machines have met with approval from operators who have found the PC based control of the machine very easy to master. Maintenance has also been minimised due to the ease with which the machine can be accessed for cleaning, SIG Doboy Linium said. Throughout production, lines are frequently changed, particularly in the run up to Christmas, when up to six different products can be run in any 24 hour period. According to Manor Bakeries, the new twin packed cake slices have been extremely well received by the public, helping to maintain the Mr Kipling brand's market leadership. F