Technosys – part of the Autopack Group – has supported one of the UK’s leading pork scratchings manufacturers in rapidly rebuilding its packaging operations after a major fire halted production at its Midlands facility in December 2025.

Within weeks of the incident, the business was able to restart output thanks to the installation of three A200 vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) machines, alongside intensive engineering support and crisis‑driven project management from Technosys.

Rapid recovery under pressure

The fire left the customer without any functioning packaging lines, prompting an urgent need for equipment, layout redesign and integration support. Technosys was selected for its ability to automate complex packaging operations and manage full‑scale rebuilds under time‑critical conditions.

Wayne Kedward, managing director of Autopack Group, said the project demanded “speed, flexibility and close collaboration,” adding that the team worked closely with the customer to ensure factory layout, services and installation sequencing were ready for immediate deployment.

“The available floorspace and height was tight, but we developed a bespoke bulk loading system, utilising every possible millimetre and delivered a great practical overall solution that was beyond what the customer was expecting,” Kedward said.

Packaging lines for diverse formats

The producer manufactures pork scratchings, crackling and crunch in multiple pack sizes and flavours, primarily in FFS pillow‑pack formats. The rebuild also required lines capable of handling tubs, making layout engineering and integration critical to restoring full production capability.

Technosys’ solution centred on the A200 VFFS platform – a fully automatic intermittent machine available in full‑electrical or electrical/pneumatic configurations. Known for its robust construction and ease of operation, the A200 offers:

• Bag widths from 50–200mm
• Bag lengths from 50–300mm
• Multiple pack styles
• Compatibility with any heat‑sealable film

Technosys describes the A200 as the most cost‑effective UK‑made VFFS machine on the market, with a low cost of ownership and strong reliability on busy production floors.

Partnership approach

Kedward emphasised that the project reflects Autopack Group’s commitment to long‑term customer partnerships:

“We always aim to go the extra mile and ensure we are with the customer every step of the way on all our projects.”

Technosys, based in Gainsborough, UK, was acquired by Autopack Group in 2025 and has since expanded its factory as part of a £3 million investment programme across the Group’s UK sites.