Technosys – part of the Autopack Group – has helped a leading pork scratchings company to restart production following a devastating fire at its Midlands manufacturing facility. The business invested in three A200 vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) machines, with Technosys providing the packaging engineering expertise and project support needed to get the first line up and running within weeks.
The fire hit the customer in December 2025 and Technosys was chosen not only because of its expertise in automating packaging lines, but also for its ability to project manage during a crisis. The first line was up and running in a few weeks, enabling the customer to kick-start their business.
Producing pork scratchings, crackling and crunch in a variety of pack sizes and flavours in FFS pillow-pack style bags, the company also required lines capable of handling tubs. This made layout, integration and project management critical to the recovery process.
“This was a challenging project that required speed, flexibility and close collaboration,” said Wayne Kedward, Managing Director of Autopack Group. “We worked closely with the customer to make sure everything from factory layout to services were ready, so the first line could be installed and running as quickly as possible. The available floorspace and height was tight, but we developed a bespoke bulk loading system, utilising every possible millimetre and delivered a great practical overall solution that was beyond what the customer was expecting.”
The A200 VFFS machine is fully automatic intermittent, available in full electrical or electrical/pneumatic operation. Its robust construction and easy operation allow for increased efficiency and output whilst reducing costs and potential human error. This machine can produce a wide range of bag sizes from 50mm to 200mm wide and 50mm to 300mm long in different pack styles and any heat-sealable film. The machine is a stalwart of the production shop floor and Technosys believes it is the most cost-effective UK-made VFFS in the market, with a very low cost of ownership.
Wayne added: “Partnerships with customers such as this are what we do – we always aim to go the extra mile and ensure we are with the customer every step of the way on all our projects.”
Based in Gainsborough, Technosys was acquired by the Autopack Group in 2025. Earlier this year the company expanded its factory as part of a £3 million investment plan across Autopack’s UK sites.
