A&B Packing Equipment, a U.S. manufacturer of blueberry machinery, has recently launched the newest version of their flagship weigh and fill machine, G3 Evolution. This model presents some innovations that result in upgraded weighing accuracy, hygienic design, and versatility. Thanks to Milbor PMC, this new packing equipment is now accessible in the European market. But, who can benefit from the weigh & fill the most?
30 years of automation in the fruit & vegetable sector
A&B Packing Equipment, Inc. specialises in designing and manufacturing custom devices that develop the fresh produce industry thanks to technology. With an agricultural background, A&B's engineers craft machines that help customers tackle the major challenges of agribusiness.
Weigh & fill machines for blueberries have always been a cornerstone of A&B Packing Equipment's product line-up. The family's newest member, the G3 Evolution weigh & fill machine , proves that the company continues to focus on efficient fruit packing.
Challenge accepted: to reduce overweight
As the blueberry market becomes increasingly competitive, the growers and packing companies have to focus on details. The accuracy of packing (or avoiding overweight) is a key issue that needs to be addressed by technology. When your packages are overweight, you give away fruit for free, generating financial losses — potentially tens of thousands of EUR per season for a company packing around 500 tons.
G3 Evolution delivers an average accuracy of less than 2 grams per punnet (about the weight of a single blueberry), making it one of the best result among linear weighers . Moreover, when operating with average weights (using the e-weights system), the overweight can be reduced to just 0.2 grams per punnet . Additionally, G3 Evolution prevents underweight, minimising the risk of claims from supermarkets and retailers.
Combination of speed and accuracy
"G3 Evolution pairs a great level of weighing precision with superb speed. With the capacity to pack up to 250 punnets per minute (using the 16-scale version for 125 g punnets), the weigh & fill stands as the fastest machine specifically designed for small fruit packing (e.g. blueberries or cherries).
Due to its performance, this machine is tailored for large growers and packing companies that process at least 1,500 kg per hour of fruits or vegetables. Moreover, the machine can release part-cycles – that allow operating even without full feed capacity, thereby enhancing overall productivity. An optional denester automates the placement of empty punnets, effectively replacing staff in this role" comments Maciej Chmielewski from Milbor PMC.
Business fuelled by flexibility
The packing equipment is designed to handle a variety of fresh fruits, including cherries, cranberries, plums, tomatoes, mushrooms, nuts, and blueberries. It is capable of processing frozen fruits, too. The weigh & fill machine comes in several versions, e.g. 10, 12, or 16 scales. Working with different packaging types is not a problem for G3.
"Whether it's clamshells, topseal containers, to-go cups, buckets, bags, boxes, or paper and pulp containers, this machine can handle them all. This range of options allows clients to select the machine that best fits their current packing needs and future plans, facilitating the integration with the existing packing line," adds Chmielewski.
Hygiene design shortens cleaning time
"A&B's engineers have redesigned the machinery, which improves its durability and ergonomics while reducing the time required for cleaning. This was achieved by using durable, food-safe, and easy-to-clean materials. Key parts of the weigh & fill machine are easily accessible, mainly thanks to the side-mounted control cabinet, as well as the openable cross-feed conveyor and vibe tray frame. Additionally, focal components, such as silicone padding and scale hoppers, can be manually removed and cleaned separately," another Milbor PMC's representative explains.
According to Milbor PMC's clients experience, you can spend up to 33 hours per month on machinery cleaning. It means a lot of wasted money. The innovations such as tubular design, curved shapes and cabling covered within a tube with access ports cut period booked for machinery washing.
Is it worth investing in comprehensive packing equipment?
"The weight and fill machine explores new ways of developing fruit packing business. At Milbor PMC, we are proud to be a part of this tech-driven journey. Cooperating A&B Packing Equipment for years, I admit that G3 Evolution can be a future game-changer in the fruit and vegetable market. We have already successfully implemented one machine in Germany, talking with some other clients around Europe. If you are interested in elevating your packing efficiency, you should add this machine to your shortlist. I will be glad to provide you with extra details and assist you in exploring the machine closely," Maciej Chmielewski concludes.
For more information:
Maciej Chmielewski
Milbor PMC
Tel: +48 538 359 172
Email: [email protected]
www.milbor.com