On form to meet vending machine soup demand

Newly-established supplier to the vending industry, Gloucestershire-based Maxpax, is investing in a second TFS 400 Thermoformer from Ulma Packaging. The machine will vacuum wrap paper cups to meet the growing demand for its Incup range of drinks for Knorr Soups and Bovril savoury drinks.

Maxpax’s continuing expansion plans at its Newent site required a bespoke thermoformer for an automated packing line of 76mm paper cups containing powdered drinks. Vacuum wrapping 525 paper cups a minute in packs of 25, the thermoformer is not yet running at full capacity because it is four times faster than the firm's current packing line, but with plans to add a popular coffee brand in 76mm cups to its product range, it is expected to order a second machine in the near future.

“The machine is so versatile we can now produce a deep base cup as well as a standard cup,” says Maxpax md Kevin Mason. “We have plans to add lots more flavours to our vending range and, if all goes well, we will be looking to source another machine from Ulma.”

Ulma’s TFS thermoforming machines range from the TFS 400 up to TFS 700 skin, with the 500 and 600 as intermediate models. They provide a vacuum pack that protects the product and can use a range of technical films.

Contact: Ulma Packaging