In the UK manufacturing sector, your packaging line is the heartbeat of your operation. It isn’t just about the final aesthetic; it is about operational efficiency, waste reduction, and product integrity. At Record Packaging, we understand that every sector faces distinct challenges, from the delicate crumb of a premium pastry to the stringent sterile requirements of a medical device.
With over 50 years of combined engineering heritage, our leadership team is focused on technical excellence. Our Sales Director, Robert Murphy, ensures our clients receive bespoke support, while our Operations Director, Andrew Murphy, brings decades of hands-on experience in the mechanical teardown and optimisation of flow wrappers. We don’t just supply machines; we provide engineered solutions.
Food and Drink: Prioritising Freshness and Throughput
Bakery and Confectionery
High-Speed Precision For high-volume, uniform items like biscuits and snack bars, the Rotary Motion Flow Wrapper is the industry standard. These machines utilize a continuous motion sealing head to achieve the rapid throughput required to keep unit costs down. For most bakery applications, the Pillow Pack offers the ideal balance of shelf presence and material efficiency. We recently supported a high-output bakery by installing an automated system capable of 400 units per minute, significantly reducing their footprint and allowing for the reallocation of labour to more complex areas of the facility.
Meat, Poultry, and Cheese
When dealing with proteins, seal integrity is non-negotiable. We recommend Box Motion Flow Wrappers for these applications. Unlike rotary systems, box motion uses reciprocating “long dwell” jaws. This allows the sealing head to travel with the product, staying in contact with the film for longer to create a hermetic, leak-proof seal. This is essential for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which is the primary method for extending the shelf life of fresh meat and cheese without compromising quality.
Fresh Produce: Gentle Handling
Heavy or irregular items like broccoli or bunches of carrots require a delicate touch. An Inverted Box Motion machine is the superior choice here. Because the film is fed from below, the product is carried on the film through the folding box rather than being pushed. This prevents “snagging” and minimises bruising. When paired with punched-hole film, this setup allows the produce to breathe, maintaining farm-to-shelf freshness.
Non-Food Sectors: Durability and Sterile Integrity
Medical and Pharmaceutical
Hygiene and 100% seal reliability are paramount in the medical sector. Again, the Box Motion system is the preferred technical solution, ensuring a sterile environment for devices and pharmaceuticals. Whether you are packaging surgical kits or diagnostic tests, the long-dwell head provides the consistent pressure and temperature required for medical-grade films.
Hardware and Household Goods
For uniform hardware items like fasteners or brackets, a Rotary Motion machine provides the necessary speed. However, for multi-packs or heavier household goods like cleaning sponges, an Inverted Rotary system often proves more versatile. To maximise shelf impact, many household brands are now moving toward the Doy Style (Stand-up Pouch), which offers a premium look and excellent stability on the retail shelf.
The Turnkey Advantage: Beyond the Standalone Unit
A standalone machine is only as good as the line it sits on. At Record Packaging, we specialise in Turnkey Systems, complete, fully automated lines designed to handle your product from the moment it leaves the oven or assembly line until it is ready for the pallet.
Our process involves:
- Expert Consultancy: We audit your floorspace and current throughput to design a bespoke layout.
- Seamless Integration: We ensure that flow wrappers, labellers, and case packers communicate perfectly to prevent bottlenecks.
- Project Management: We take ownership of the entire engineering plan, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily operations.
The Record Performance Pathway
To guarantee that every machine we commission delivers long-term ROI, we follow The Record Performance Pathway. This isn’t just a sales process; it’s a technical assurance programme:
- Strategic Consultation: Identifying the specific mechanical hurdles of your product.
- Site Audit: Understanding your pre- and post-packaging stages firsthand.
- Bespoke Configuration: Selecting the precise technical components for your specific film and product type.
- Rigorous Pre-Delivery Testing: We don’t just “dry run” your machine. We conduct a two-week internal trial using your actual products and film to ensure the seal is perfect before it leaves our floor.
- Precision Installation: Our engineers handle the setup and provide comprehensive on-site training for your operators.
- Record Care Programme: We provide ongoing preventative maintenance and rapid-response repairs to ensure your OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) remains high.
By partnering with Record Packaging, you aren’t just buying a flow wrapper; you are investing in half a century of British packaging expertise.
Call +44 (0)161 864 3971, email sales@recordpackaging.com or discover our complete range of Industrial Flow Wrap Machines here.
