Pacepacker: robots already mean more food jobs
The firm is expanding its technical department to support the growing number of orders for such applications in the food, bulk solids and aggregate industries, it has reported.
It has recruited mechanical design engineer Andrew Westrop and electrical engineer Lee Moss to bolster its expertise in the sector.
‘Significant increase in orders’
“These two new roles are long overdue and are much needed, as we are experiencing a significant increase in robot and automation orders, with more and more customers requiring new and more bespoke pick and place and packing solutions,” said Pacepacker md Dennis Allison.
“Adoption of automation, particularly within the food industry, is accelerating generally. This is especially true within pick and place [product handling], which can now be extended to difficult, problematic areas and product lines that previously were not always deemed a viable investment.
“Both Andrew and Lee’s appointments are crucial to our continuing success within this field and we welcome their expertise.”
Previous expertise
Westrop has previous expertise with labelling and checkweighing systems, while Moss spent more than 12 years working on electrical control systems for special purpose machinery. He will focus on the electrical design and programming of Pacepacker’s bagging and robotic systems range.
As well as working with bespoke packing systems, Pacepacker works closely with robot and mechatronic manufacturers Fanuc and Festo.
It launched its Pacepacker 20+ pick and place robot option at the 2014 Foodex exhibition, organised by William Reed Business Media, at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in March.
Figures disclosed by the British Automation and Robot Association earlier this year indicated sales of robots to the food and drink sector rose by 28% last year, reflecting strong overall uptake in the UK.
For the latest information on jobs in the food industry, including in engineering and technical functions, visit FoodManJobs.
Also, take a look at our video highlights of the Foodex conference and exhibition.
