JBT Corporation, a global leader in food and beverage processing solutions, has announced the launch of the SteriCompact processing system, the latest in the company’s Sterideal® HX UHT range of systems, which has been specially adapted to meet demand for smaller pack sizes in emerging markets.
The SteriCompact UHT, which is based on JBT’s globally successful Sterideal HX UHT system, will cater for the move towards reduced scale milk and juice production and pack sizes in developing economies, as well as specialized products in high-end markets. Already in the process of being installed with processors in Brazil, Thailand and India, the system is designed for a smaller volume production in smaller packages – of down to 80 ml – than has been common in most markets to date.
Bram Bergsma, Product Line Operations Manager for Processing Systems at Amsterdam-based JBT Food & Dairy Systems, said: “In countries like India and Brazil, there’s a trend for smaller filling capacity machines and packaging. These are countries with large populations, but where people don’t necessarily have the income to afford the larger packs. The SteriCompact UHT has been developed for these markets.”
As well as standard dairy applications, the system, which handles lower-range capacity production of 2000-4000 liters per hour, can be configured with optional modules to process Extended Shelf Life milk, juices with small fibers and soy products. The SteriCompact UHT is designed around one central skid containing all the process components including the electrical system, which results in reduced installation time and cost.
However, in addition to emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, the system has also attracted attention in Europe and the US. “We’ve received significant interest from Spain and the US for smaller capacity lines for smaller batches,” said Bergsma. “This is for products produced in small amounts where the flavour can change frequently, so having the SteriCompact UHT in place will help avoid waste.”
About Sterideal XH UHT systems
Dairy producers worldwide favor the JBT Food & Dairy Systems Sterideal HX UHT concept for its robustness, resulting product quality and ease of operation. The unique helical configuration of concentric tubes ensures effective thermal treatment combined with efficient heat recovery and optimal product handling. The tubular inflow processor is used for pasteurizing and sterilizing dairy products, juices and higher viscosity products like tomato sauces and desserts.
JBT Corporation, the global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food and beverage industry, has announced the acquisition of UK-based PLF International Limited (PLF), a specialist manufacturer of filling machines for the fast-growing global powder product market. With demand increasing worldwide for powdered products, especially for powdered infant formula and nutraceuticals, the acquisition will enable JBT to bring PLF fillers – which combine with JBT’s own seamers – to a much wider marketplace.
Since 1994, PLF International has designed and manufactured what is considered to be one of the most flexible, user-friendly powder filling machines in the world. PLF’s range of filling machines are all built to facilitate the stringent demands of the food, beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, being easy to clean with minimum giveaway and gentle product handling. They can be semi or fully automatic and are built so performance can be enhanced to meet production demands.
“JBT and PLF have collaborated on numerous, successful projects over the past 10 years,” said Tom Giacomini, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Specifically, customers have purchased PLF fillers and JBT closers as part of an integrated solution. Adding PLF’s expertise and complementary products to Liquid Foods provides a valuable extension to our portfolio. Additionally, we can expand PLF’s business geographically and strengthen its aftermarket opportunities.”
“PLF provides a unique filler that is an improvement on most of the competition as there is very little product giveaway,” explained Carlos Fernandez, President and Managing Director of JBT’s Liquid Foods business. “PLF’s filler and ancillary products can be used in conjunction with JBT’s closer to complete an integrated line solution, so this is a very complementary acquisition for us, which will also give us access to the fast-developing powdered product market.” PLF Managing Director Mark Emond commented: “We were seeking a long-term steward for PLF going forward and feel comfortable that in JBT we have the ideal partner given that we have worked so well together in the past. With JBT’s focus on innovation, technology and customer care, we are leaving our business in the best possible hands.”
As well as powdered infant milk, the integration of PLF will also open the door for JBT to enter the powdered nutraceutical and added vitamin drink segment; a market that will again complement JBT’s existing business, Fernandez added.
