A FRESH APPROACH TO FRESH PRODUCE
Stubbins invests in Delford Weigh Price Labellers for variable weight packaging
Based in Waltham Cross, North London, Stubbins are a leading supplier of fresh produce to major multiples and food service customers offering a selection of salad items, including tomatoes, peppers, celery and aubergines.
Fixed Weight vs Variable Weight
Although traditionally fresh produce has been supplied on a graded and fixed weight basis, consumer demands are changing. Stubbins is now the first of the new generation of suppliers to meet these requirements – offering variable weight product to both retailers and the food service industry.
In 2003, factory capacity was more than doubled with the construction of a major new extension to the plant and investment in the latest handling, packing and labelling machinery. As part of the plant upgrade, John Difrancesco, Stubbins’ Plant Engineer, was responsible for establishing variable weight packaging facilities at the site.
After looking at what was available at UK shows such as Foodex/Meatex and PPMA, John decided to trial the Delford Weigh Price Labelling system, having had some experience of Delfords 15 years ago in a previous packaging operation.
Investing in Delford Technology
During the trial, Stubbins found the Delford weigh price labeller easy to use and decided to invest in eight new units for variable weight packaging of peppers and tomatoes. With typical line speeds of between 40 and 100 packs per minute, they selected Delford 8100 machines, which operate at speeds up to 100 packs per minute.
Compact and robust, the Delford 8100 is ideal for all applications requiring variable weighing and labelling. It features an operator-friendly full colour screen and keyboard display for clear programming and running information, high resolution 12 dot/mm printing, and accommodates a large variety of label sizes.
Each Stubbins' unit – which can operate on a minimum or average weight basis according to individual product requirements – has been fitted with two labelling heads, allowing replacement or new reels to be set up in advance. The units can operate on an automatic changeover basis to reduce line down time, and offer the facility to apply promotional flash labels as part of the total labelling application needs for the product.
Easy to operate
As part of the installation and commissioning process, Delford Service Technicians worked closely with the Stubbins engineering team to ensure a full transfer of technical knowledge. Paul Joyce, recently employed as a Plant Engineer, was involved in setting up the new weigh price labelling lines.
“ The Delford system is very user friendly” said Paul. “It is easy to program and, if there is a problem, there is a diagnostic system that provides a help message on the display.” He adds, “If we need additional assistance, we can reach the Delford Service Help Desk by phone and be up and running in 10 minutes. We can even calibrate the units remotely”.
Flexible & accurate operation
The eight Delford units are networked via the Delford Deltalink wireless Ethernet system that provides data for production control purposes to a remote PC. The machines can also be programmed from the PC for rapid changes in variable information. Thanks to its wireless Ethernet operation, the individual units can be moved around the site without affecting the Delford Deltalink system.
Stubbins also uses the Delford 8100 units for checkweighing fixed weight packs, maximising the flexibility of the system. They can operate on a minimum or average weight basis according to the specific customer specification.
John Difrancesco has been particularly pleased with label accuracy. “With the Delford, we can control the positioning of the label on the pack and we have been complimented by customers on the pack appearance of all lines.” He adds “Certain products, such as individual peppers, are inherently difficult to label and we have been working successfully with the Delford Technicians on a special handling system to minimise the problems.”
