Multi-Pack Popcorn

Monkhill Confectionery, part of the Cadbury's/Schweppes group, use a TUSCAN 1000 flow-wrapper to create multi-packs of its famous Butterkist Popcorn. Initially we hired the machine to them to hand pack this difficult product while we were commissioning a new fully automated robot line. Although essentially a standard TUSCAN 1000 flowrapper from TISOMI, the infeed of the flowrapper was extended to over 4 metres and fitted with special transfer guides. We also designed a 'tamper' unit that automatically taps the product well down into the infeed which helps guarantee a neat pack of six inner products per multi-pack.

They were so pleased with the performance and versatility of the TUSCAN machine that they decided  to purchase it. It meant that they had a relatively simple alternative for handling production peaks and trial or promotional products. It's really a case of 'horses for courses' - the automated robot line is fast and efficient with very low labour costs and is ideal for continuous production of one product. But the hand fed machine is more versatile for short runs, overspill from the auto-line, and special promotional products.Proof of this is in the fact that they have now taken delivery of a second identical machine to perform a similar task at another facility.