INDUSTRY NEWS
Expansion underway forMacpac ThermoformerMacpac is on the second phase of its expansion plan after completing phase one sixmonths ago
During the last two years, Stockport-based thermoformerMacpac has generated what they call ‘unprecedented’ levels of growth and success. The first of a two-phasemajor expansion programme was completed at the company a little over 6months ago. Capacity was then, according to the company, considerably increased with new machines, upgraded tool rooms and equipment and improved goods handling and storage facilities.
placed increased demand on production alongside exponential growth of the core thermoformed packaging business. In response, the decision was taken to commence Phase Two of the expansion programme earlier than anticipated, so work began at the end of last year. An additional 10,000 sq ft of
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warehouse space has been added at the end of the production facility, whilst the entire area has been racked out to facilitate storage of finished
he acquisition of Hamilton Plastics Packaging during the summer of 2011
goods on behalf of customers, which is capable of storing up to 500 pallets. This almost doubles the existing finished goods storage capacity for the convenience of customers wishing to call off of orders on a just in time basis. To assist production lead times,
an additional Illig RD74 thermoformingmachinewas installed and commissioned in December last year. The tool rooms are to be further extended as the expansion progresses and there are plans for another two machines to be installed during the year. Two newtoolmakers have also been recruited to keep pacewith demand for newtooling.
STOCK PACKAGING RANGES EXTENDED Macpac have, according to the company, become best known for their bespoke thermoformed packaging, so it is easy to overlook the fact that they manufacture probably, according to them, the largest range of stock blister packaging in the UK under the BlisterKing name, with over 110 shapes and sizes to choose
from.Macpac also claim that their website has a really useful tool that enables the
precise BlisterKing pack to be selected that best suits the dimensions of the product, which makes sourcing packaging easier than ever. For a packaging solution that
embodies the price advantage of BlisterKing with the design attributes of a truly bespoke pack,Macpac claim to provide the semi-bespoke Eurocel range. These customised clamshells are based on a series of standard plinth sizes that have an integrated add-on shape to give a more precise fit than a BlisterKing pack might offer, particularly for irregular shaped
products.Macpac say it’s really easy to specify any Eurocel project by looking at the plinth table linked on the Eurocel page of their website. Simply measure your product and choose which plinth best fits your dimensions, allowing enough space for a graphics insert card - see fig 1, above. From a sample of your product the in-house tool making division atMacpac will create an add-on tool using CAD CAMto precisely fit your product. The add-on tool is combined with the plinth to produce a customised secure blister pack, as fig 2 shows.Working from a standard
plinth keeps tooling costs down resulting in more cost effective packaging. The insert card is very important to the overall look of the final presentation so good design is essential. As shown in fig 3,Macpac’s design team will generate designs and artwork to complement the product and pack and can even arrange for them to be printed. Pack assembly completes the project. This can be done by the customer or by using the in- house contract packing facility at Macpac. Packs are simple to assemble as shown in fig 4. Macpac say that an added plus is easy recyclability as there is no contamination of plastic and board, so all packs are 100 per cent recyclable. These packs show, saysMacpac, their Real3D design capability. All the illustrations are computer generated utilising the latest Solidworks software and mocked up to integrate the customer product. These images are available for customers to make slick marketing presentations before any tooling is laid down keeping costs down to an
absolute minimum.
Macpac Limited, Barton Road, HeatonMersey Industrial Estate, Stockport, Cheshire, SK4 3EG Tel: 0161 442 3EG Fax: 0161 442 1643 Email:
info@macpac.co.uk www.macpac.co.uk
8 | Packaging Gazette |
PackagingGazette.co.uk
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