Keeping up with consumption
McConaghy emphasizes that speed and uptime were critical considerations for the selection of the Hamba line. Running three cup sizes ranging from 5.3 oz to 7 oz, the Hamba had to provide flexibility and ease of changeover. He explains that the slotted conveyor that carries cups through the machine has been designed to accommodate all three sizes and both split and round cup designs. “The most complicated changeover takes about an hour,” he relates. “A routine changeover from one food product to another takes just 20 to 30 minutes.”
Reflecting on the process of installing and commissioning the Hamba equipment, McConaghy concludes: “Attention to detail is extremely important. The more attention to detail that you invest, the sooner you will be able to gain the benefits of the machine’s capabilities. And, the sooner you get the machine operational, the sooner you can focus on upgrading its efficiency to really help sustain the benefit that you added the machine for.”
FAGE USA has plans to further expand its packaging capabilities. In May, it will add a fourth aseptic filling line for its larger cup sizes that will double the speed of its Gasti 43P.