Automated Packaging Systems Takes the Heat off Packaging Operations at Baxi Group

Automated Packaging Systems, a global supplier of packaging equipment, has recently installed its AirPouch void filling-system in the Baxi group's factory in Preston, Lancashire, where it manufactures the Baxi and Potterton brands of boilers and heaters.

The Baxi Group distributes its heating appliance spare parts throughout the country and until recently used an alternative void-fill system to ensure that parcels of spare parts were safe and secure while in transit. This involved renting two machines that crushed paper, which had to be purchased in vast quantities to provide the void-fill for the spare parts distribution. When the company decided to look at alternative solutions it turned to Automated Packaging Systems. Baxi's expediter, Alan Shaw explained, "We were already successfully using the AutobagÔ bagging machinery so it was a natural step to evaluate their AirPouch void-filling system."

"The two existing benches have now been replaced by one totally portable, small-footprint machine that provides easy-to-use air pillows on demand to meet our void-fill packaging requirements. As well as saving valuable floor space, only one operator is now required for the efficient AirPouch system," Alan Shaw added.

The AirPouch machine is easy to use in either automatic or semi-automatic mode creating continuous strips of air pillows with easy-tear perforations. Requiring minimal maintenance, AirPouch is a fast system, operating at 15 meters of void-fill packaging a minute.

Commenting on the installation, Alan Shaw continued, "We were impressed by the neatness and maneuverability of the machine and were very pleased at the saving in materials – we seem to be using much less packaging than before. The air pillows go much further than the large amounts of paper we previously used and we have greater flexibility with AirPouch."

AirPouch has been a winner all round for the Baxi Group. "We no longer have rental costs, we save on paper and we only require one machine and operator, freeing up valuable manpower and floor space," concluded Alan Shaw.