The consumer packaging division of international paper and packaging group Mondi Packaging (Vienna / Austria; www.mondigroup.com) has completed the expansion of its Mondi Wheatley flexoprinting facility in Scunthorpe / UK. The production area has increased in size by 2,500 m² and a new 2,600 m² warehouse with a computerised location scanning system linked wirelessly to the site’s main enterprise resource planning (ERP) system has been added. The additions to the manufacturing facility, which have created 30 new jobs on site, significantly increase Mondi Wheatley’s production capacity and improve the overall flow of production processes, the company said.

The expansion includes an additional extrusion line for speciality films, a dedicated lamination area and a warm room to optimise curing times, while applications such as easy opening and laser perforations are supported by a new laser. An additional printing machine, slitter, dedicated ink farm and sleeve presses for fast changeover are also included.

The expanded Mondi Wheatley site is equipped to meet the increasing demands in Europe created for convenient microwaveable packaging solutions, the company said, adding that the site has established itself as a centre of excellence for “NeoSteam” technology – which uses an adaptable steam-valve, making it possible to steam chilled ready meals, vegetables, pasta, rice, fish and shellfish directly in the microwave.

“The investments have given us the opportunity to optimise our production processes, leading to an even better service and support of our customers”, said Warren James, managing director of Mondi Packaging Wheatley. “With our new warehouse near to the plant, we have been able to reduce our external warehouses from three to only one, reducing transportation and interim storage costs.”