Increased growth sees Leeways Packaging install second thermoformer

Gloucester-based thermoformed packaging manufacturer, Leeways Packaging, has purchased its second Illig machine in 12 months as a result of increased growth.

The company, which supplies both food and non-food markets, has installed the RDK 80k “IC intelligent control”, automatic roll fed thermoforming machine alongside its existing RDK 80k, which was installed in December 2014.

This recent purchase is in addition to the £2m already invested by Leeways over the last 24 months on various plant and machinery, increasing their capacity up to 900 million trays per year.

The new RDK 80k incorporates the latest technology associated with the “IC intelligent control” established recently by Illig on all its roll fed thermoforming machines. 

The adaptive technology allows for cycle speed optimisation with quick acting valves, overlapping time sequencings, and accurate control. Illig says the machine also delivers flexibility, repeatability, quick tool change and ease of operation, and is readily equipped to process all the major commodity plastics such as PS, PVC, APET, RPET and PP.