This year’s PPMA Total Show at Birmingham’s NEC proved to be a successful one for Autopack, the independent integrator of packaging lines. The Hereford-based businesses not only showcased a wide variety of equipment on its largest exhibition stand to date but also completed a sale of one of its latest packaging machines at the show.
The Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS) brick pack format machine was snapped up on day two of the event. The customer, which specialises in chickpeas, also acquired the entire exhibited line including gantry and weigher.
“We were elated to secure such a big order at the show,” said Autopack managing director Wayne Kedward. “It represented just how much interest there was in the on-stand set-up, especially from coffee roasters. The stand demonstrated our versatility and innovation across a wide range of markets, from food and drink to personal care and chemicals.”
Coffee is a target market for Autopack, and visitors representing roasters of various sizes visited the stand to find out more. The block bottom bag had a roll top finish secured using a resealable label, ideal for roasted coffee beans and enabling brands to hit an important price point. The VFFS machine’s presence highlighted this new packaging format for the ever-growing coffee bean sector.
“Café culture is coming to the UK as consumers aren’t only demanding better coffee but authenticity in what they’re buying,” added Wayne Kedward. “We are well placed to capitalise on this trend, with our VFFS machine turning heads at the show. It was a fresh take on packing coffee beans for a booming market.”
A total of 15 packaging and process machines were in action, targeting flexible and rigid applications. Sachet, stick and pouch kit sat alongside solutions for bottles, jars, tins and containers. Autopack’s 20-strong team was on hand to guide visitors through the range of options.
“The show proved to be a brilliant opportunity to connect, collaborate and showcase what Autopack can do,” said Jonathon Stewart, Autopack UK sales director. “Our biggest stand demonstrated our commitment to delivering the best services and solutions, underpinned by ongoing investment in equipment partners as well as growing our team.”
The on-stand equipment was shipped back to Autopack’s headquarters in three trucks. It will be set up in the firm’s showroom for demonstrations, giving those who didn’t get the chance to visit the show an opportunity to look at the range of options.