BakPac installs second Galaxy Pouching Line

The new Galaxy GS-24 Plus-200 arrived at BakPac’s new production facility in Brentwood from India at the start of June and followed in the first Galaxy machine that was installed in September 2023.

A week after the device was installed, it was running tests and trials. The first full customer job was completed two weeks after installation with “fantastic results” using multi-webbed recyclable material and a Velcro zipper.

BakPac said the new device was particularly well equipped for its Mono ranges of recyclable materials, as it excels at maintaining the heat and pressure consistency required for Mono materials and longer runs.

The installation is a part of the significant ongoing investment for BakPac of around £5m in the last few years. This included two HP Indigo 200K digital presses – the second signed for at Drupa – and two more Galaxy pouch makers that are due in later this year. Bakers also signed for a Durst TAU 340 RSC inkjet press for its labels division at Drupa.

The additional Galaxy pouching lines have meant that BakPac has had to expand its production floor space. Since January the company has been refurbishing an additional factory unit adjacent to Bakers’ current 4,650sqm premises, in preparation for the new arrivals. By the end of the year the new unit will hold all four Galaxy pouch makers, as well as valve and spout inserters.

The new machine will have the ability to run 2-up stand-up pouches with zippers on the same web – doubling production and reducing setup time and waste. New sealing capability, meanwhile, will further improve the company’s Mono polymer pouch production, while advancements in the gusset assembly will allow a greater size range in its folded gussets.

Bakers operations manager Phil Smith said: “Our first Galaxy machine made buying the second machine a very easy decision. Their innovation, service and machine efficiency were all points of success which have accelerated our growth into this market.

“By using Galaxy technology we are building on a solid platform, with two further machines on order we will soon be able to offer new formats of digital flat bottom and side gusset pouches with zippers whilst also increasing our capacity. Our new unit will soon be humming with the sound of amazing pouches being made.”

Harry Baker, who runs BakPac sales and operations, added: “Our Galaxy pouch makers have raised the bar, allowing us to offer a wider range of pouch options for our customers.”

Gaurav Sharma, chief marketing officer at Galaxy Packtech, also commented: “We are thrilled that Baker Labels and BakPac have chosen to continue with us by ordering our pouching machine again. Their trust in our products is the cornerstone of our success, and we are deeply grateful.”

112-staff Bakers has a turnover of £16m.