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Stourgarden, a UK company that handles more than 1 million packs of onions per week, recently purchased Newtec weighing machines to address their weighing and packing needs. According to Stourgarden Packhouse Manager Mick Patterson, the company has had Newtec weighing machines for roughly 23 years.
For two recent projects, Stourgarden purchased a Newtec model 4010W1 weighing machine, which handles very large products, for combination with two-net on-roll machines (horizontal form/fill/seal machines [hf/f/s]) on each side, and a Newtec model 4015B2 weighing machine in combination with a vertical form/fill/seal (vf/f/s) bagging machine.
For Stourgarden, the Newtec model 4010W1 weighing machine offers weighing accuracy and a giveaway of less than 0.2%, a capacity of up to 20 portions per min at 25kg, and appropriately sized weigh heads for large products and portions.
According to Patterson, “I looked at many other weighing machines and trusted what Newtec promised and purchased two and never looked back. We wanted to achieve as accurate weighing as possible without affecting the speed and quality.”
The 4010W1 machine features a durable stainless-steel construction with heavy-duty vibrator lanes to place the product into the weigh heads. Built for large products, such as onions, potatoes, beetroots, and citrus fruits, as well as products in large quantities, it has extra-large weigh heads, so the bridging of products can be prevented. Plus, the weigh heads are easy to remove without using tools.
Newtec WebServices allows for remote servicing and managing production data. Newtec’s intuitive interface is upgradable, and its level of automation makes weighing and packing more accurate and manageable without compromising the quality of the produce, while maintaining a superior level of performance.
Each Newtec model 4015B2 weighing machine, in combination with a vertical form/fill/seal (vf/f/s) bagging machine, also offers a high-speed weighing capacity with 15 heads and a VarioSpeed function that allows for adjustability and flexibility.
An optional count-to-target kit ensures manufacturers meet their targets for packs with a specific number of products. In a single discharge, the weighing machine has a capacity of up to 100, depending on product weight. The machine adapts to the packing needs and portion size of the produce.
The 4015B2 and 4010W1 models both minimize the challenges at Stourgarden. As Patterson says, “The setup is very user-friendly. Targets are met, as with regular preventative maintenance, they do not go wrong. We pack 1kg at a steady rate on our 4015B2—75/80 packs a min on three different onion varieties—browns, reds, and pinks. On our 4010W1, we pack 4kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg, and 25kg net on roll.”
