• Rob Winterbottom, FlexCAM; Lindy Hughson, PKN, Frank Bertrand, Tecma Aries
    Rob Winterbottom, FlexCAM; Lindy Hughson, PKN, Frank Bertrand, Tecma Aries
Close×

Tecma Aries has introduced what it describes as the next generation of tray forming technology: the FMA die-cut tray former, which is engineered for high-speed production, continuous operation, and seamless integration into complete end-of-line packaging solutions.

Designed for demanding food manufacturing environments, the FMA is capable of producing up to 40 trays per minute in one configuration, and up to 270 trays per minute in another. Built for 24/7 industrial operation, the system delivers efficiency rates above 99 per cent — a critical requirement for manufacturers under pressure to maximise uptime and throughput.

Speaking to PKN at the Tecma Aries stand (Hall 6, C59) at interpack in Düsseldorf, Franck Bertrand, sales director at Tecma Aries, says that what differentiates the FMA from conventional tray forming equipment is its flexibility.

Rather than operating purely as a standalone machine, the system can be integrated into combi case packing lines as part of a turnkey end-of-line solution. This approach enables manufacturers to streamline automation across multiple stages of production while improving consistency and operational efficiency.

Primary markets for the technology include dairy, butter, and broader food and beverage applications, although the platform is also attracting interest from pet food and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking reliable, high-output automation systems.

Tecma Aries was formed in 2014 through the merger of Tecma Pack and Aries Packaging and today employs more than 200 people across multiple international manufacturing sites, including facilities in France and the United States. The company says more than 4000 machines are now deployed globally.

In Australia and New Zealand, Tecma Aries is represented by FlexCAM, which has installed more than 50 Tecma Aries machines and robotic systems across the Oceania region.

Rob Winterbottom, business development manager at FlexCAM, said the partnership had historically been strongest in the dairy sector, particularly among Victorian dairy processors, but was now expanding into broader food and beverage applications.

The companies strengthened their regional partnership in recent years as demand has increased for more integrated and automated end-of-line packaging systems across Oceania.

 

Food & Drink Business

Cobram Estate Olives (CBO) has formally claimed a purchase price adjustment of up to US$31.9 million on its California Olive Ranch (COR) acquisition and expects to pay no earn-out on the deal, as the Australian producer works through the completion of its largest ever transaction.

Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) has pushed back the expected timing of its proposed $10 million sale of Hampers and Gifts Australia (HGA), with completion now targeted for February 2027 rather than a binding agreement signed by the end of this month.

RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia have launched the new Food and Beverage SME Packaging and Machinery Solution Centre, to help Australian food and beverage SMEs navigate the complex transition to more sustainable packaging and processing technologies, while protecting product quality and minimising food waste.