Essex Based Manufacturer Scoops National Food Processing Award

Announced in October 2014, the win celebrates the collaboration between Pacepacker Services, FANUC UK and Festo, who together design and manufacture the widest choice of food-grade and bulk handling robotic solutions in the market. Voted for by readers of the national publication, the partnership between the three companies was highlighted as a real game changer for the food sector.

With a portfolio of solutions comprising 80+ robots, more than 20 end effectors and access to over 85 service consultants nationwide, editor of Food Processing Helen Bahia commended the strength of this partnership saying: “As a result of the sheer breadth of solutions that Pacepacker, FANUC and Festo now provide, all business needs can be easily met by an experienced team.”

Among the many successes accomplished in the last 12-months, the trio has worked tirelessly to remove one of the key barriers to automation adoption by food processors and packers - food safety. As well as integrating FANUC’s extensive range of IP69K and IP67K certified robots and multitasking product handling end-effectors from Festo, Pacepacker’s team of engineers recently specified an innovative food-grade conveyor system for a new Cartesian pick and place robot solution they were building.

“Now that robots are more economical, IP69K-certified, and offer proven output and energy efficiencies, the food sector especially is experiencing a rapid rise in robot adoption,” highlights Pacepacker’s managing director Dennis Allison. “Winning this Food Processing award shows what can be accomplished when three likeminded companies work together and how this fosters even greater innovation.”

Speaking to Michael Portillo at the recent PPMA show*, Dennis emphasised the importance of listening to customers and why having a breadth of options is beneficial to delivering a solution that meets their exact requirements. During the interview, Dennis pointed out that the team is adept at solving specific challenges that other system integrators may steer away from, drawing attention to a single line they created for a global chemicals company. “Overcoming budget and space restrictions, we designed a highly-innovative line comprising a single M410ic/185 palletising robot from FANUC and an auto adjusting end effector fitted with Festo technology to handle pallets, slip sheets, boxes and sacks,” explained Dennis.

As testament to the partnership’s success, since the start of this year 75% of all enquiries received by Pacepacker have requested a robot solution (compared to 35% in 2013). What’s more, over the last six-months Pacepacker has quoted for 110+ robot food-orientated projects – up 50% on 2013 figures.

Aside from customer projects, the company is enjoying further award success for its investment in people, with local employees Andrew Lufkin recently winning PPMA Apprentice of the Year 2014 and Andreas Fantousi receiving the bronze PPMA Ones to Watch trophy.