Bosch Packaging Technology completed the expansion of its state-of-the-art vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) test facility at its U.S. food headquarters in New Richmond, Wis. The $850,000 vertical expansion, which started in May 2012 and was completed in December 2012, helps Bosch accommodate two full VFFS packaging lines that include secondary packaging, such as case erecting, loading and closing. With the expansion, Bosch offers optimal product feeding to VFFS machines for extended runs, as well as temperature and humidity control to simulate each manufacturer’s specific factory environment.

From engineering, parts fabrication and assembly to line integration, testing and trouble shooting, Bosch offers its fresh, frozen and confectionery customers a full range of resources.

Customer equipment training
Bosch enhanced its ability to provide customers access to equipment training and familiarization, which results in a smooth start-and-ramp-up of their production. Training can range in complexity, from simple hands-on operation during the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), to in-depth Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)-certified classroom training for operators and mechanics, including PMMI-certification testing at the end of the training modules.

“Bosch’s New Richmond test facility provides customers with the assurance that their vertical packaging line has been fully tested and is ready to go,” says Eric Aasen, vertical product line manager. “This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that our customers achieve maximum efficiency and profit.”

Global product line, local support
The expansion is part of Bosch’s strategy of offering a top-notch global product line with local support. Bosch supplies a wide range of VFFS technologies to suit various market needs, including both continuous and intermittent vertical baggers with its SVE and SVI series, as well as heat and ultrasonic sealing technologies. Bosch’s vertical baggers have the flexibility to produce numerous pack styles, including pillow, gusseted, stand up, full four-corner seal block bottom and doy bags, as well as special bag styles and various opening and re-closure aids, on a single machine without adjusting machine height. This allows manufacturers to quickly adjust to changing market demands. Bosch also offers secondary packaging equipment that can be integrated into fully automated lines specific to customer applications, known as Module++.

Sustainable design
The expansion also includes several sustainable elements, such as windows with low-emissive (Low-E) glass, which reduces energy consumption by allowing light to pass through while reflecting heat, as well as T8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts that produce more light per watt, run cooler and last longer. In addition to meeting building envelope insulation requirements, Bosch incorporated its highly efficient point-of-use water heater. Other sustainable features include variable frequency drives (VFD), used to further reduce energy consumption for the crane and hoist system, and the high efficiency combination air handler and air conditioning unit.