Kingsmoor Packaging unveils sustainable brand refresh

Leading thermoforming business, Kingsmoor Packaging, has revealed an exciting brand refresh, which includes a bold new logo, together with an inspiring new strapline – ‘Forming a Better Future’. The updated brand maintains Kingsmoor’s recognisable red crown, but with a more contemporary, dynamic, and vibrant design. The revamped brand identity is currently being implemented across Kingsmoor’s operations in Somerset. This includes site signage as well as online and offline administrative and marketing assets. Additionally, a new website is scheduled to launch later this year. Kingsmoor Packaging’s new look perfectly encapsulates the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and a dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. Through significant investments in low-carbon production and renewable energy, Kingsmoor leads the charge in designing lighter and more efficient plastic products, such as KPL Cirrus™, a lightweight and recyclable container that has captured the attention of leading retailers. James Hill, Kingsmoor Packaging’s managing director, said: “The unveiling of our new brand marks an exhilarating chapter for Kingsmoor. Our identity echoes our unwavering dedication to investing in the future and creating sustainable growth opportunities. We strive to produce plastic packaging that is as environmentally friendly as possible. Moreover, we want our brand to accurately portray our current business and showcase the exceptional quality and creativity that our customers have come to expect from Kingsmoor.” For over three decades, Kingsmoor has been the go-to provider of bespoke thermoformed packaging in the UK. Their expertise lies in designing and manufacturing award-winning customised and off-the-shelf plastic packaging solutions for a wide range of industries, including food, automotive, and horticulture. In addition to crafting food-grade packaging that complies with plastic tax regulations and contains up to 100% recycled content, Kingsmoor’s dedicated R&D team relentlessly explores new environmentally friendly and recyclable materials, such as Prevented Ocean Plastic and Breakdown PET. With cutting-edge in-house tooling and design capabilities, supported by state-of-the-art production facilities, Kingsmoor offers customers a flexible, cost-effective, and comprehensive service that sets them apart. Find out more about Kingsmoor Packaging here.

Global material handling and processing specialists open new testing facility in Germany

Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) and Advanced Material Processing (AMP), material handling and processing platform companies consisting of Spiroflow and Cablevey Conveyors from AHS, together with Kason Corporation and Marion Process Solutions from AMP, have launched a new test facility in central Germany. The site is designed to service the whole of Europe and will enable customers to fully benefit from these unique partnerships and their integrated product portfolios. The 1000 sqm premises is conveniently located close to Frankfurt Airport and offers customers the opportunity to experience the full range of products from all four businesses, including Spiroflow’s T6 Bulk Bag Discharger, T3 Bulk Bag Discharger, 4” AMC Conveyor, 3” AMC Conveyor, a full range of Flexible Screw Conveyors, Low Profile Bulk Bag Filler, CTE Filler, and SMART 4 Bin; Cablevey’s 6” Cablevey conveyor with wash down Clean in Place; Kason Corporation’s M1 CENTRI-SIFTER, Multi Deck Sieve, 24” VIBRO-BED Drying system – Fluid Bed Dryer, VIBROSCREEN, and Lumpbreaker; and to complete the offering, Marion Process Solutions’ M0 Mixer. The test center also includes a spare parts and service hub, in addition to a powder lab, where customer materials can be evaluated before conducting bulk testing. Here, material characteristics such as bulk density, moisture content, and angle of repose can be identified to determine material flowability. The site is equipped with full dust extraction. “This new facility offers a comprehensive selection of our products to customers in Europe and beyond,” said testing & facility manager, Emmanuel Ricohermoso III, Dr.-Ing. “For us, it’s all about offering ease of access to our capabilities and expertise, as well as the opportunity to see how these technologies can be used to optimise material handling and processing systems.” Tom Finnegan, Sales Director Europe for AMP and AHS, added: “Adding to our portfolio of testing facilities globally, the center represents an important step change in our ability to service our existing blue chip multinational customers and new European based customers quickly to meet needs and requirements across Europe. Being centrally located means that we are well-placed to offer local sales and service support and assist with general customer enquiries.” An official opening of the test facility is planned for week commencing 10 July. To register interest in attending or to arrange a trial visit – https://amp-ahs.com/test-facilities/#contact. For more information on AHS-AMP visit https://amp-ahs.com/.

VFC rescues Meatless Farm from administration

Vegan food company VFC has acquired Meatless Farm in a deal worth £12m in sales – rescuing the fellow Yorkshire plant-based brand from administration. The Meatless Farm brand will be retained, with the product range diversifying VFC Foods’ existing plant-based chick*n portfolio. The acquisition of Meatless Farm marks a crucial milestone in VFC’s growth strategy and its mission to provide more vegan products across retail and foodservice, with the aim to remove animals from the food chain. Speaking on the acquisition, which was financed from the company’s cash reserves, David Sparrow, CEO of VFC Foods, said: “We are delighted to announce this strategic acquisition, whilst being extremely mindful of the business’s challenges and the impact on the people involved. “Meatless Farm has built strong consumer awareness, which aligns with our core values, and their exciting product portfolio enhances our existing range. By integrating both brands, we can utilise numerous synergies with valued customers and suppliers, thus driving innovation and extending customer choice.” Co-founder, Adam Lyons, added: “Acquiring this remarkable brand is a testament to the hard work of the Meatless Farm team, who have done an exceptional job in developing and establishing quality products. Meatless Farm aligns seamlessly with our growth strategy, and we are confident in the underlying consumer demand for plant-based products.” Matthew Glover, co-founder of both VFC, Veg Capital and Veganuary, stated: “VFC Foods is well positioned to sustainably grow the Meatless Farm brand once the cost-of-living crisis eases, and the plant-based space has experienced further consolidation. “Reducing our meat consumption is crucial for a healthier, more sustainable future and, at VFC Foods, we will continue developing vegan alternatives which taste so good, they render the need to kill animals obsolete.”

In a challenging business environment food manufacturing is holding back vital investment

Expected longer-term market volatility is impacting investment by the UK’s food and drink manufacturers, according to the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) latest State of Industry report for Q1 2023. In recent years, there has been unprecedented disruption across the supply chain following the quick succession of three structural shocks – Brexit, a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine – which has disproportionately impacted food. This has led to substantial upward pressures on all cost elements of the industry, from ingredients, labour and packaging to energy, transport and logistics. Faced with these cost rises, food and drink manufacturers have used a variety of ways to shield consumers from the full impact of these increases, compared with the other industries and parts of the food chain, including reducing production and freezing recruitment. The State of Industry report reveals this approach means vital infrastructure and innovation projects are being halted or postponed, which is likely to have a negative impact on long-term productivity and jobs for the wider economy. FDF Director for Growth, Balwinder Dhoot said: “Because of high-cost pressures and a challenging regulatory environment, many food manufacturers have had to cancel or pause investment projects over the last year as they absorb as much of the soaring costs as possible, to avoid passing them on to struggling households during the cost-of-living crisis. “The industry’s significant labour shortages are forcing some companies to restructure their businesses, leave vacancies unfilled and reduce production – all of which contributes to rising wage bills and hampers growth, which is vital for a strong economy. “Building a sustainable and resilient food supply chain which supports the economy requires sustained investment to drive technological advancements and innovation. If the Government can create a stable and positive business environment, the UK’s largest manufacturing sector is ready to play its part in driving the productivity growth that our country needs.” There is also significant uncertainty about the energy prices in the winter, with the futures markets expecting higher rates. Companies also anticipate an average pay increase of 5.4% over the next year. These add further strain to operating costs and contribute to inflationary pressures. Despite this challenging landscape, the FDF has found business confidence is starting to move in a more positive direction, climbing 17 points in the last period to -30. 84% of respondents expect production levels to maintain or increase over the next year, reflecting a growing belief in the industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.

Unilever to acquire premium frozen Greek yogurt brand Yasso

Unilever has entered into an agreement to acquire Yasso, a premium frozen Greek yogurt brand in the United States. Founded in Boston in 2009 by childhood best friends Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington, Yasso is a pioneer in convenient frozen snacks, offering a high-quality range of low-calorie yet indulgent products. The acquisition is aligned to the premiumisation strategy of Unilever’s Ice Cream Business Group. Yasso joins other premium brands in the portfolio including Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum and Talenti. Yasso’s products respond to growing demand in North America for on-the-go, healthier and indulgent frozen snacks. The products in the current Yasso range each contain less than 150 calories. Matt Close, president, Ice Cream, Unilever, said: “I am delighted to welcome Yasso to the Unilever family. It has built a strong customer appeal in the fast-growing, premium ‘Better For You’ segment. This acquisition is a great step in the evolution of our Ice Cream portfolio in North America towards high growth spaces. I am confident that with the full support of Unilever behind Yasso, we will take this fast-growing business to even greater heights.” “We are forever grateful for the team members, consumers, and business partners who supported us along this entrepreneurial journey. With Unilever, we have selected the best partner in the world, who believes in Yasso’s vision and purpose of spreading joy to consumers everywhere,” said Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington, co-founders, Yasso. Craig Shiesley, CEO, Yasso, said: “We are excited to join Unilever and become part of the world renowned family of Ice Cream and Novelties brands. I’m proud of our company growth and we look forward to working with Unilever to expand the global footprint of our incredible brand.” The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Coca Cola HBC acquires Finlandia vodka

Coca-Cola HBC has reached an agreement to acquire Brown-Forman Finland Oy, owner of the Finlandia vodka brand, from Brown-Forman Corporation’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Brown-Forman Netherlands BV. The agreed purchase price amounts to US$220 million and is subject to customary closing price adjustments. The acquisition is being made through Coca-Cola HBC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CC Beverages Holdings II BV. Completion of the proposed transaction is expected in the second half of 2023 and is subject to regulatory approvals. Finlandia was established in 1970 and is a leading vodka brand in Central and Eastern Europe with annual volumes of 2.7 million 9L cases globally, of which more than 60% is being generated within Coca-Cola HBC’s geographic footprint. Finlandia is bottled by Anora Group plc in Finland based on a long-term production services agreement and is available in pure and in several flavored versions. The proposed transaction represents a unique opportunity for Coca-Cola HBC that enhances its journey towards becoming the leading 24/7 beverage partner. Coca-Cola HBC has been distributing Finlandia and other premium spirits brands for more than 17 years and this acquisition will further enrich and strengthen its portfolio across more of its markets. Ownership of the Finlandia brand will enhance Coca-Cola HBC’s premium spirits credentials; driving mixability opportunities with premium and super-premium Non-Alcoholic Ready-To-Drink (NARTD) products, helping capture more drinking occasions, and strengthening partnerships with customers in strategically important channels such as HoReCa. Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO, Coca-Cola HBC, said: “Having been associated with the distribution of Finlandia for 17 years in several markets, we are excited by this unique and regionally relevant opportunity that will support the acceleration of our on-premise business across more of our markets. “The proven complementarity of our premium spirits business with our strong NARTD portfolio enables us to offer solutions for a broad range of 24/7 consumption occasions, particularly socialising moments. “We view this as an attractive investment and a natural evolution of our role as one of Finlandia’s distribution partners, further attesting to the strength of our time-tested and wide-ranging partnership with Brown-Forman. “We appreciate the trust placed in us and look forward to creating more value for our partners and customers by capturing new opportunities with our well-rounded beverage portfolio.” Lawson Whiting, CEO, Brown-Forman, said: “We are pleased to pass on the ownership torch of Finlandia to Coca-Cola HBC, who has proven to be a strong and reliable partner to our brands for more than 17 years. We believe Coca-Cola HBC is well-suited to support Finlandia’s future stages of development. “I am confident that Coca-Cola HBC’s growth ambitions and capabilities in premium spirits, its critical mass and executional excellence, coupled with its leading sales and distribution credentials in the markets where it operates, will accelerate Finlandia’s growth trajectory.”

A Q&A with…ROCOL Lubricants

With BRC Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) now in force, food manufacturers face even greater pressure to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain. ROCOL Lubricants food specialist Andy Howard looks at steps they can take to achieve this with their lubricant usage. What does the BRC Global Standard Food Safety (Issue 9) mean for food manufacturers? BRCGS Issue 9 increases the focus on creating a strong product safety culture across food manufacturing facilities. It specifies the safety, quality and operational criteria that manufacturing organisations are measured against to ensure legal compliance and the protection of the end consumer. It extends safety criteria across a much wider range of companies and means that, from February this year, facilities operating at every point in the food manufacturing supply chain are being audited to the same stringent criteria. An animal feed manufacturer must now demonstrate the same stringent food safety performance as a chocolate maker. As the new standard is rolled out, manufacturers will need to prove their food safety credentials and demonstrate the steps they take on a day-to-day basis throughout their organisation to prevent incidents that can put the safety of end products at risk. A safety culture involves eliminating risk at every point of the manufacturing process, which is where ROCOL’s FOODLUBE range of food grade lubricants comes in. FOODLUBE products are manufactured within the strict guidelines of ISO 21469:2006, ensuring zero risk to products and consumers in the event of incidental food contact. They are also NSF approved, Halal, Kosher, and have Vegan Society registration, delivering a product range that supports vital food safety and audit compliance. How can manufacturers ensure their lubrication management programme is fit for purpose? Selecting the most appropriate lubricants to support food safety across your entire operation is just one part of the story. Lubricant usage and effectiveness also have an important part to play. As well as supporting safety, a proactive approach to lubrication management is key to achieving equipment efficiency, plant productivity and eliminating machine downtime. The ROCOLcare lubrication management programme starts with an audit to assess lubricant use, frequency and application methods for every asset in your production facility. From there, a bespoke lubrication schedule is developed, which maximises machine performance and lubricant use. This is followed by operator training to ensure that the right products are applied in the right quantities, at the right intervals, to deliver optimum operational efficiency and rationalised lubricant usage. As well as efficiency benefits, this proactive approach provides full audit compliance regarding your lubrication system. How does ROCOL ensure products meet real-life customer needs? Our approach to product development is simple. It starts by understanding the challenges end users are facing, which enables us to focus our technical expertise and NPD resources in these areas to help overcome those challenges and make customers’ lives easier. This customer-back approach has resulted in many new product launches, formulations and formats across the business. Our DETEX metal detectable caps and actuators were developed in partnership with customers to support preventative control programmes across food production sites and are now used on all ROCOL aerosol and spray cans and standard grease cartridges. It also led to the recent introduction of FOODLUBE 1500 Spray, a highly tacky oil in aerosol format for the long-lasting lubrication of chains and presses in food, pharmaceutical and other clean environments. The high viscosity, high-tack formulation reduces contamination risks by minimising drips when used on overhead equipment, displacing water in situ and penetrating hard-to-reach channels, such as chain links, to deliver effective lubrication while protecting against wear and corrosion. How important is it that food manufacturers continue to invest in staff training around the machinery maintenance? A culture of food safety in your organisation is only ever as strong as your weakest link. The food safety culture section of BRCGS Issue 9 has evolved, and now looks at the behavioural changes required within an organisation to improve product safety. This extends across the entire organisation; it is not limited to technical and production teams. It requires manufacturers to implement a plan for the development, maintenance and improvement of a food safety culture – and training is key. Making sure that the relevant people in your team are equipped with the knowledge to deliver maintenance regimes that support and promote food safety is an important aspect of your wider training programme. Not only will this support audit compliance, it will also eliminate the risks associated with incorrect lubricant application, which can reduce equipment efficiency and result in lubricant overspend. From the fundamentals of lubrication to in-depth training for specific industries or applications – bearings and chains through to gearboxes and hydraulics – our training programme is designed to keep your maintenance teams at the top of their game.

Over 280 jobs on the line as closure of Young’s Seafood factory proposed

Over 280 jobs are on the line following the proposed closure of a Young’s Seafood factory in Grimsby. Plans have been unveiled to halt production at the site on Marsden Road, with an October date mooted, and move what remains to another Grimsby factory and a Scottish site. Owner of Young’s, Sofina Foods Europe, said the factory was “no longer financially sustainable,” according to BBC reports, with a spokesperson saying 285 roles could be lost. The company said the decision does not reflect on the teams who work there, noting that “they are a credit to the company.” Staff and unions are set to be consulted before a formal decision on the closure. Sofina said some new roles would be created at a site on Grimsby’s Humberstone Road and in Scotland at Fraserburgh.

Glenhaven Foods signs major deal to supply Subway® across all UK & Irish stores with brand-new innovative coated cheese product

Irish frozen food processor Glenhaven Foods has signed a major deal with Subway® to supply all 2,400 stores throughout the UK and Ireland with an innovative new product of Cheesy Bites for the Hot Sides Menu. With revenues reaching €55 million and a dedicated workforce of 170 employees, Glenhaven Foods is unwavering in its pursuit of significant growth. Glenhaven, a long-standing family business in Wicklow, has worked closely with Subway International and utilised Subway’s extensive market knowledge to co-create a unique, premium side dish. The Subway Cheesy Bites are a three-cheese blend of premium Irish cream cheese, Emmental, and a natural Mozzarella that provides a luxurious cheese stretch. Created to perfectly complement Subway’s classic menu, the new cheesy side dish is intended as a side or stand-alone ready-to-eat hot snack, specifically made to meet Subway’s customers’ tastes. Commenting on the contract win, Emma Cahill, co-owner and brand manager at Glenhaven, said: “Securing a contract with Subway® is a major milestone for Glenhaven Foods, and we are thrilled to be chosen as their supplier for coated cheesy bites in the UK & Ireland. “This collaboration marks our entry into the coated cheese market, and we are excited to showcase the quality and taste of our sustainably-produced Irish frozen produce. With our state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team, we are well-positioned to meet Subway®’s’ customer demand and deliver exceptional products. “This contract is a testament to our commitment to growth and innovation, and we look forward to further expanding our dairy product portfolio in the coming year.” Rusty Warren, senior NPD & innovation manager at Subway®, added: “We find Glenhaven a reliable and efficient supplier and look forward to developing the partnership in the future.”

A Q&A with…Rollon

We spoke to Rollon to learn more about the issues around contaminants affecting Industry Automation and what you can do if this sounds like an all too familiar problem. Can you tell us a bit more about the company? Rollon is a world leader in linear motion. We specialise in the design and manufacture of engineered linear guides, telescopic rails, linear actuators and gantry portals used in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage. Rollon is headquartered in Milan, Italy and has manufacturing operations in Italy, Germany and the United States. Rollon boasts an extensive Global network, including here in the UK, to serve our customer base with customised product solutions and hands on technical support. Where does Rollon step in for Food and Beverage Automation? When bottling, packaging or bundling, there are typically two challenges you may face regarding linear motion hardware: performance and protection. So, how do you ensure lifetime best performance? The beverage sector, and related automation applications, are characterised by demanding time cadences, needed for maintaining high yield and efficiency for maximum productivity. To guarantee these challenging results, it is necessary to identify the correct type of actuator (i.e., the elements capable of making the difference when it comes to performance). To guarantee high dynamics, the ‘natural’ choice is to adopt a belt drive solution that allows for considerable accelerations and offers a load capacity suitable for the drink sector. What should be considered when it comes to protection? Furthermore, beverage automation must be protected from contamination (meaning debris in the form of dust and/or liquid spills). Liquids or impurity deposits that could accumulate on the motion equipment can significantly affect both the performance of the system and the quality of the finished product. If a linear guide becomes blocked with dirt for example, there are also possible maintenance and downtime costs to consider. The excessive presence of liquids, on the other hand, can cause corrosion. Performance and protection are therefore closely connected… Liquid leaks can cause machine downtime, potential maintenance interventions and, over time, corrosion…with the consequent repercussions affecting cycle, yield, efficiency, and productivity. So how do you avoid contamination and keep up performance? Rollon’s experience over the years can shed some light on the issue and provide a few useful guidelines:
  • Use the best protected linear actuators available
  • Use corrosion-resistant materials and food sector specific components
  • Carefully evaluate whether to “make or buy”
What are the Protected Linear Units? Rollon’s range of solutions are designed to ensure maximum protection, even in the harshest of environments, for example the Plus System series. This family of Plus System actuators include the ELM linear axis. These linear belt actuators with specially designed extruded aluminium profiles and integrated linear recirculating ball guides are the most suitable choice when it comes to resistance to liquids and contaminants. A lipped polyurethane protective strip seals the extruded aluminium profile, preventing contaminants and liquids from affecting the function of the bearing elements contained within. The ELM series can also be positively or negatively pressurised with approximately 0.7/0.8 atmospheres, being more than enough to create a solution which allows for an excellent seal. The other two members of the Plus System family are the ROBOT, with double recirculating ball guide for the heaviest loads, and the SC, specifically designed for vertical movement. All sizes of ELM, ROBOT and SC linear actuators are available in an anti- corrosion version, with treated aluminium and stainless-steel components. Features that guarantee high resistance to corrosion, which is essential in applications in the beverage sector. Equally fundamental is the use of food-grade grease and specific FDA belts for use in the food sector, options available in the Rollon offer. Why is a Rollon solution often the winning choice in beverage applications, especially when compared with the possibility of independently designing linear motion applications? There are four main considerations:
  • Easy design and maintenance guaranteed by compact and self- supporting solutions that enclose the essential protection elements in these applications
  • Years of experience in the beverage sector is leveraged upon by specialist designers to prevent contamination and corrosion in a ready-to use solution.
  • Benefiting from continuous technical improvements that increase performance and reduce assembly and maintenance time, such as the use of symmetric hollow shaft drive heads, easy access to the belt for tensioning or replacement and the simple installation of gearmotors without the use of additional elements such as joints or belts.
  • Free of charge technical support from a dedicated application department and degree qualified sales engineers during your design phase. This includes a sizing service and demo CAD models, to allow designers to focus on the essence of their project.
In conclusion, the risk of contamination can be mitigated by taking advantage of the technological solutions available from the right partner. Discover the range of PLUS SYSTEM linear actuators, visit www.rollon.com