Increased output thanks to automated packaging solution for fish producer

Celtic Coast Fish Company is part of the Castell Howell Foods Group established in 1988 and have grown to become the leading independent foodservice wholesaler for Wales, border counties and the South West of England. Supplying regional produce is one of its core values and with its 34,000 sq. ft. butchery, Celtic Coast works closely with over 50 farmers as part of the Celtic Beef Partnership to supply the UK. In addition to fresh fish and beef produce, the group also has a range of other brands supplying cured meats, pies, cakes and sandwich fillings.

The Celtic Coast Fish Company was born in 2016 from the high demand for high-quality fresh fish in the UK. From monkfish and salmon to oysters and scallops, the range provides chefs and restaurants with a wide variety of fresh produce to create the nation’s favourite seafood dishes. The growth of the business in recent years has also increased the demand for fish from customers.

Celtic Coast’s previous packaging solution was labour intensive, using manual processes to pack and label its fish products. The output was slow and required high levels of human intervention to complete the process. The wide variety of fresh fish products with varying product depths also meant a range of pack sizes need to be adjusted, adding to the delay in packaging time. The business required a new solution that would increase its production volume and efficiency whilst improving pack presentation and most importantly, would fit within the existing factory space.

Volume, efficiency, presentation and space were all key considerations when deciding the best solution for the business to increase its output and reduce manual processes. Celtic Coast had worked closely with MULTIVAC for previous projects and made contact to discuss potential options.
The packaging machine was the first consideration; a traysealing packaging machine was to be upgraded from a manual draw system to an automatic traysealer to help increase throughput. With its space-saving design, MULTIVAC’s T 300 Traysealer was selected as it could provide Celtic Coast with the output they required, enabling a threefold output increase. The solution also would improve pack quality and presentation through the use of various packaging formats including MULTIVAC’s Multifresh™ skin packaging. The T 300 traysealer can also be configured with multiple tracks to enable quick die change for various pack sizes which was an important feature for the business.

A new Labelling solution was also required to reduce the requirement for manual labour to apply labels by hand to help improve the efficiency of the line. The L 310 Labelling system from MULTIVAC was chosen as most suitable to label the wide variety of products Celtic Coast produce. The new labelling system removed the intensive manual labour and increased production output. It also enhanced pack appearance with the application of high-quality labels and improved the accuracy of label placement.

The recipe management feature of the new L 310 labeller also enabled operators to save recipes for the various pack formats to reduce time when changing between different pack sizes to ensure the label was placed perfectly. The labelling system was seamlessly integrated into the packaging line alongside the T 300 traysealer to maximise the efficiency within Celtic Coast’s process.

In 2020, MULTIVAC worked closely with Celtic Coast to ensure a smooth and successful installation for both machines with no disruption to their production. The MULTIVAC Technical team were able to plan around busy production periods without affecting output.

Celtic Coast has been impressed with the new packaging and labelling solution, with performance delivering as promised.
Nick Bryant, General Manager highlighted ”One thing that stood out from working with MULTIVAC is their aftercare services, all issues were attended to quickly regardless of the situation and were resolved quickly and professionally”.

MULTIVAC UK’s Technical Service department was able to support the business to ensure maximum availability and efficiency of the recently installed traysealer and labeller. The business has access to the support of over 55+Field Service Technicians, as well as a Technical Help Desk.