Defying costs is key to filling-tech innovation, says supplier
PLF International, which designs and manufactures filling machines and other turn key processing products, says that pushing vacuum technology for powdered goods like coffee and milk into new market will be key to its future success.
“We are always investing in R&D for filling machinery, but foresee the future in the continued success of the PLF Vacuum Filling machine,” stated a spokesperson for the company.
The claims follow last Friday’s appointment of Ian Hillaby to the role of company sales director, in a bid to push the group into new markets both geographically and in terms of product development.
Expansion aims
PLF International claims the appointment is tied to its wider expansion strategy of targeting organic sales growth through product development.
Over the last twelve months, the manufacturer said that it has developed a number of subsidiary products that could be used alongside its filling technology as part of these expansion plans.
This has led to the launch of products like UV can-end sterilisation units, high speed reject systems, barcode verification technology and particle/out of round detection, according to the company.
The PLF spokesperson said that technology designed for use in pharmaceutical products was not always relevant or useful by beverage manufacturers, though it claimed to be developing technology that specifically meets the demands of drinks manufacturers.
“We are designing a more cost-effective filling machine for [beverage] powders,” stated a spokesperson for PLF. “Our machines to date have been of the highest specification with ATEX approval, and have been particularly successful in the baby milk formula markets.”
ATEX approval relates to two European directives that govern standards for equipment and protective systems used within potentially explosive atmospheres.
