Due to its flexible operation, the CFS SmartPacker SX400 provides a cost-effective solution for Giebels Meat Products, allowing them to satisfy their existing packaging requirements and react quickly to rapidly changing future trends.

Giebels Meat Products, Holland
Giebels Meat Products, a manufacturer of meat based meals, is located in Helmond, Holland. Established over 100 years ago, the company is renowned for its range of top quality sausages and ready meals for consumption in the home market. The plant produces a total of 3,400 kg per hour, including 1,000 kg per hour of sausages, 1,200 kg per hour of spare ribs and 1,200 kg per hour of ready meals.

In 2005, due to a market opportunity to add a new ready meals product to their offering, Giebels decided to invest in equipment to extend their packaging options. Plant flexibility and efficient performance were critical to meet their busy production schedule.

Giebels selected the CFS SmartPacker SX400, a vertical packaging machine capable of producing Quatro seal packages. As well as being ideal for preserving frozen and fresh products, these packages have proved very popular with the consumer and contribute strongly to the product presentation.

A new loading and packaging system – the benefits
Previously Giebels had operated a production line, which included a loading and thermoformer packaging system. Giebels estimated that on average more than 20 packs per hour had either defects or weight inaccuracies. This was causing interruptions to the production schedule, as well as increased labour requirements to rectify the problem.  Due to its extensive equipment portfolio, CFS was able to select the best solution for Giebels - during the last six months since the new multi-head weigher and CFS SmartPacker SX400 were commissioned, there have been vast improvements. 

In addition, due to their in-depth knowledge of packaging machinery and close proximity to the Giebels production plant, the technical staff at CFS continues to ensure that the new equipment operates at maximum efficiency. With the CFS Technology Centre near at hand, Giebels have had access to forming tubes of different dimensions for testing purposes, to identify the best solution for their range of products.

According to Director Mart Kobussen, “We are delighted with our new investment.  The new SmartPacker SX400 provides an excellent solution for packing our new product range. In addition, its flexible operation means that we can also use it for our existing product range. As a result, we do not need to use the thermoformer system, and have virtually eliminated the packing defects and weight inaccuracies associated with it. We are now confident that we can complete our demanding production schedule on time, every time. And of course, we have been able to reduce waste.”

 He continued, “The vertical flowpacking equipment supplied by CFS has many other advantages as well – our production staff report that it is easy to operate, maintain and clean.” 

A good investment for the future
The SmartPacker SX400 is proving a good solution for Giebels Meat Products, both for their production needs today, and in anticipation of any new requirements in the future. Due to its flexibility relative to bag size options, the SmartPacker provides an ideal solution to meet the demands of the rapidly changing food industry. As well as giving excellent protection to ensure highest quality, its versatility ensures a solution with maximum “shelf appeal”.