Increased production of its range of cartoned matzos crackers recently led New York-based Kosher bakers Aron Streit to install an LX overwrapper from Marden Edwards. The company needed higher rates of production than an older machine, also from Marden Edwards, was able to achieve. Alan Adler, operations director at Streit and a great grandson of the founder, explains.
“Increased demand for our daily products means we have to continuously operate two ovens rather than one and the old machine is unable to cope with the output from both. Also, we are running 12- to 14-hour shifts, meaning the wrapper has to be reliable.” So he contacted ME’s agent for northeast America, Mateer Associates, to investigate the model most closely matching his needs.
“We like the overwrap style for our cartons as it sets us apart from other products on the shelves, which simply use cellophane bags inserted into the carton,” says Adler. He also benefits from standard features that include an integral variable-speed infeed, low-level cantilevered film spindle, and speedy tool-less size change.
Currently the new wrapper is running at around 50 cartons/min, compared with the 30 cartons/min previously achieved. The carton size, at 180x192x65 mm, is quite large for the speed required. Additionally, the machine has a print registration facility for alignment of preprinted film to the product.
A final word from Mr Adler, “The improved electronics help us to track our daily output and keep better control of production. The control system is also easy to manage and understand which means our operators find the LX easy to use.”
