OREANDA-NEWS. At Gulfood Manufacturing 2014 in Dubai, Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading supplier of processing and packaging solutions, will present its comprehensive portfolio designed for efficient and high-quality packaging of food and non-food products. From processing to packaging and end-of-line technologies, Bosch offers an extensive portfolio ranging from entry-level to high-end solutions. For the first time, the company will exhibit highly versatile equipment for the packaging of bakery and confectionery products in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Sub-Continent, helping manufacturers to efficiently adapt to changing market needs.

"Whether manufacturers need a stand-alone machine or an entire packaging system, Bosch's complete range of equipment and extensive technical knowledge can help meet the increasing demands of the food and non-food markets in Africa and the Middle East," said Mazen Touban, general manager, Bosch Packaging Technology office in Egypt. "With a regional office in Cairo, Egypt, our customers benefit from a local presence backed by an international knowledge network and world-class expertise to meet the specific challenges of this market."

Efficient feeding for versatile horizontal flow wrappers

At Gulfood, Bosch will display its Pack Feeder 4 infeed system in combination with the Pack 401 horizontal flow wrapper for flexible packaging of bakery and confectionery products. The Pack Feeder 4 is a low-pressure feeding system that gently handles delicate items such as biscuits, chocolate, cakes and bar-type products. Sophisticated product inspection on the Pack Feeder 4 detects and rejects misaligned products to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Depending on the product, the feeding system can be equipped with side belts for optimal product positioning and stability, enhancing consistent and efficient packaging.

The Pack 401 horizontal flow wrapper can be integrated with a wide range of semi- to fully-automated feeding solutions, including the Pack Feeder 4. Developed for full automation, the machine now features a narrower cutting head, enabling higher packaging speeds for heat seal applications up to 800 products per minute. It is optionally available with features such as automatic film splicing and tracking, as well as product inspection and rejection technology. The design allows easy changeovers for different product and packaging formats. Part of Bosch's Pack series, the Pack 401 is just one model from the companyЃLs comprehensive portfolio of horizontal flow wrappers available to customers.

High volume production of confectionery products

Bosch's product portfolio includes specialized equipment for the production of confectionery items, such as hard and soft candy, toffee, jelly and chewing gum, as well as chocolate, fruit, cereal, energy and protein bars. With the recently launched slab former WRF 600 Flex bar manufacturers can minimize or eliminate the trim when processing masses for cereal, candy, protein and fruit bars. The machine enables width changes without production stoppages, maximizing uptime and output. No other equipment of its kind currently available on the market offers this capability.

Vertical packaging portfolio for versatile solutions

Bosch's vertical packaging portfolio comprises highly adaptable and scalable equipment covering a wide range of products, including dry, free-flowing goods. The highly flexible SVC and SVE platforms are the first choice for manufacturers who need to switch between different bag styles, with multiple reclosure and opening features as well as for manufactures running block-buster products on high speed lines.

For customized solutions dedicated to the packaging of sensitive dry and free-flowing products such as coffee, Bosch offers the machine family PME. Due to its modular design, the PME stands for high flexibility and premium quality because either soft or vacuum bags with different head closures can be produced on one machine. In addition, this vertical package maker can be equipped individually with Bosch product protection systems such as inside and outside valves and their respective applicators. The portfolio is completed by fully integrable equipment including hygienic auger fillers, and checkweighers.

Hygienic solutions for liquid and viscous food

Bosch offers a wide range of solutions for the packaging of liquid and viscous foods, including equipment dedicated to sensitive products such as dairy and baby food. The highly hygienic technologies allow the thermoforming, filling and closing of cups in various shapes, the filling and sealing of pre-made cups and bottles as well the blow-moulding and filling of PET bottles.

Meeting manufacturers' need for a single-source solution provider

"We offer our customers the whole world of automation, from entry-level to high-end solutions. For high production capacities, our Seamless Systems feature high-end, innovative and breakthrough technology that will take producers to the peak of productivity. For manufacturers taking their first step with automation or bringing automation to the next level, with Module++ upgrading their lines has never been easier," said Martin Tanner, director business development and marketing, product division confectionery and food, Bosch Packaging Technology

Introduced at Interpack 2014, the innovative, seamless biscuit packaging line is designed for maximum flexibility with changeovers from slug to pile packs, and vice versa, in less than three minutes - the fastest currently on the market. Enabling biscuit manufacturers to meet changing global market requirements, the system also features product count changes in less than one minute. From smaller on-the-go packages to large family packs, the biscuit packaging line is capable of producing multiple pack variations from product handling to case packing. The speed of all line components is balanced to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize downtime and optimize production flow, facilitating high overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Bosch also offers a Seamless System designed specifically for high-speed bar-type product packaging.

For all manufacturers, Module++ provides unlimited possibilities of linking Bosch's proven standard modules to create adaptable and scalable end-to-end solutions. "For both the food and non-food industries, manufacturers who want to be successful in today's dynamic market must be fast, flexible and forward thinking," remarks Tanner. "Bosch's Module++ lines empower manufacturers by giving them the ability to adapt to change and shape their evolving businesses. It offers the ultimate in format and pack style versatility."

To create each line, Bosch draws from its local support combined with a global knowledge network. This ensures that manufacturers will be equipped with their customized solutions realizing quick time-to-market. All machines are also available as stand-alone modules designed for simple integration with existing Bosch technology or third-party-equipment.

Tailor-made service portfolio for your requirements

At Gulfood, Bosch will also highlight its comprehensive after-sales services portfolio. Machine upgrades and modernizations, for instance, enable customers to flexibly adapt their existing equipment to meet new market requirements. Customers can also find out how training sessions from the Bosch Packaging Academy enhance efficient machinery handling. Moreover, Bosch will demonstrate how tailor-made service packages support customers in improving their productivity with minimum machine downtime, ultimately resulting in higher profitability of their Bosch packaging machines.

The technologies will be on display at Gulfood Manufacturing 2014, Dubai World Trade Center, November 9 to 11, 2014 in Sheikh Saeed Hall, booth E84.