A new automated flour packaging line at PGP International’s Woodland, Calif., plant is making valve bag packing faster, safer and more energy efficient.
The new line features a high-speed filling process that improves the density and deaeration of the flour to give a more compact, “brick shaped” appearance when the valve bags are full. After filling, the bags are ultrasonically sealed in-line to reduce flour leakage, prevent foreign material entering the bag and minimize the risk of infestation throughout the supply chain.
The more compact bags, combined with new automated palletization and stretch-wrapping processes, mean pallets are much more stable and less likely to move about when they’re on their way to the customer. This increased stability also cuts the risk of damage and loss of product while in transit.
The bags themselves are now much easier to open for faster dispensing when they reach the customer. The easy open design means our customers’ employees no longer need to use knives to open the bags, making their facility a much safer place to work.
“This new, fully automated line gives PGP the opportunity to improve our flour packaging processes to offer a better, safer service to our customers,” notes Aynaxi Madhav, product manager. “By introducing more energy efficient equipment and specially designed bags that minimize paper usage, we’re also reducing our impact on the environment but with no adverse effect on the quality and integrity of our product.”
About PGP International Inc.
PGP International Inc. is part of ABF Ingredients and is headquartered in California with two US manufacturing sites. PGPI specializes in developing a wide range of extruded ingredients including cereal and protein crisps as well as an assortment of high quality rice based flours and blends.
PGP International has Global Food Safety Certification through BRC, Gluten Free Certification through GFCO and Organic Certification through QAI.
Visit www.pgpint.com for more information.
About ABF Ingredients
ABF Ingredients (ABFI) is a division of Associated British Foods, comprising a family of specialty ingredient companies – AB Enzymes (enzymes), ABITEC Corp. (specialty lipids and surfactants), Ohly (yeast extracts and seasoning powders), PGP International (extruded ingredients and specialty rice flours) and SPI Pharma (pharmaceutical excipients and antacids).
ABF Ingredients is a world leader in delivering high-value ingredients to its customers offering innovative, value-added products and services to the food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, animal feed and industrial sectors. In order to achieve this, it has facilities globally, and employs skilled individuals to achieve the aspirations of the business.
Visit www.abfingredients.com for more information.
