Sewtec Automation supplied the bespoke packing line for a new, high profile plastic tube for Tangerine Confectionery’s iconic Sherbet Fountain designed to meet the needs of the modern retail environment and retain the visual effect of the original paper tube.
Automated filling and packing helps achieve an overall speed of 100 tubes/min. Tubes are bulk fed and organised ready for the sherbet to be dispensed. The liquorice stick is manually inserted and the cap put in place by operators. A cap press then ensures that the cap is firmly secured before a second pick and place unit transfers the tubes to the sleeving machine. Afterwards, the tubes pass through a metal detector and checkweigher and packed into cases.
A temperature controlled room with air conditioning, dehumidifier and dust extraction units has been created to provide the ideal environment for the handling of powders.
Since the introduction of the new pack, Tangerine has reported UK sales up by 20% and the company has recently secured a deal to ship Sherbet Fountains to Australia.
