New packaging machine improves sustainability and output for UK cheese supplier

Extons Foods was established back in 2000 and are a family run business by sisters Liz and Rachel, who were later joined in the business by their husbands. In the last 20 years, the business has grown to a workforce of over 120 employees and a factory space of 45,000 sq ft. Based in South Manchester, Extons Foods offers the most popular formats for sliced and grated cheese for retail and the foodservice industry.

The wide variety of cheese products supplied by Extons meant the business was in need of a packaging solution that was not only flexible in packing the range of products but could also meet the high output demands.

Extons Foods previously purchased two MULTIVAC thermoforming packaging machines which were installed at their factory back in 2007 and 2014, so when looking to invest they knew MULTIVAC would be able to help. The requirements of the new machine included; increasing output for sliced cheese products (90mm x 90mm), reducing labour demand and improving overall efficiency.

To help reach its goals, the R 245 Thermoforming packaging machine was selected to help the business upscale its packaging capability. The R 245 is a freely configurable thermoforming packaging machine with a variety of options, enabling the production of complex packaging formats with high output. The machine's flexibility would allow Extons to produce three different sized product packs for both retail and food service.

This solution is also highly efficient thanks to its servo-driven lifting system which reduces the consumption of compressed air, resulting in lower running costs and greater sealing forces for high quality modified atmosphere packs. Overall, the business has been able to double its output to meet its new demand thanks to the newly installed R 245 Thermoforming packaging machine.

In addition to the new thermoforming packaging machine, Extons Foods were also interested in changing the materials used for their sliced cheese packs to be more sustainable. Thanks to MULTIVAC’s expert Materials team and consultancy service, ‘The Right Pack’, the business decided to revamp their packaging materials to a mono, single polymer material which has made their packaging a fully recyclable solution.

Liz, Managing Director at Extons explains ‘I have always had excellent service from MULTIVAC and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services’.

Extons were also impressed with MULTIVAC’s technical services from installation through to after-sales care and support. MULTIVAC UK’s Technical Service department was able to support the business to ensure maximum efficiency of the packaging line. The business has access to the support of over 55+Field Service Technicians, as well as a Technical Help Desk.