Dairy Day, a Watford-based specialist in artisan cheeses, has reported a significant increase in production since replacing a manual packing machine with ULMA Packaging Ltd’s TFS 200 Thermoformer – providing the family-run business with the extra capacity it needed to meet the increasing demand from retailers and foodservice customers for its handmade halloumi cheese.

Investing in a packaging system is a major financial commitment for any SME, however, choosing the right automation partner and equipment can transform a production line, as the rapidly growing producer of artisan dairy products discovered.

ULMA’s TFS 200 Thermoformer is meeting Dairy Day’s requirements for flexibility, the opportunity to quickly launch new products, such as a planned expansion into sliced and shredded cheeses, plus enhanced branding presentation.

Renowned for excellent build quality, equipment performance and service, ULMA is supporting the customer’s current needs and growth aspirations for its cheeses with an automated solution creating flexible packaging with printed top film. The machine has been pre-configured to allow additional formats to be easily added to the production portfolio.

Improved productivity – the TFS 200’s throughput capability, hygienic design and easy operation reduces the need for manual intervention – as well as prolonged shelf life, are other benefits for Dairy Day

Trust is a key element of any deal and ULMA’s open and flexible approach from the outset, along with its company structure and ethics as part of a co-operative, impressed Dairy Day Director, Chadi Kassem, who runs the business with his two brothers.

He added: “We have a family ethos stretching back generations, to us trust is very important. ULMA listened to our requirements, gave advice and practical support during and after the purchase process. I am very happy with the machine and give ULMA 10 out of 10 for service. We would certainly use them again.”

The machine’s reliability also enables Dairy Day to operate without a dedicated engineering resource, as it knows ULMA can service and support the machine with a local technician from their UK wide team.

ULMA’s TF Business Manager, Martin Baldwin, said: “We recognise that investment in the right equipment is a crucial element to the successful growth of a business. ULMA’s immense experience and flexible approach ensures that every customer, regardless of size or throughput requirement, can benefit from the right packaging technology. Our thermoformer range provides an unrivalled selection of throughput and pack styles to support our customers at every stage of their growth.”

Ideal for a variety of dairy products, the equipment’s MAP (modified atmosphere) and vacuum technologies ensure product quality throughout shelf life for items in a range of food sectors including meat, fish, poultry and pates.

Not just known for its global experience in supplying all-round packaging technology, ULMA offers a full after sales support service giving its customers peace of mind that production lines can be maintained effectively and businesses run smoothly and efficiently.

An approved supplier to multiple retailers and small businesses alike - coupled with a dedicated automation division - ULMA has the biggest range of solutions available anywhere in the UK and is leading the way for innovative, efficient and robust packaging equipment.