Business

DWS Worcester, the weighing machine manufacturer, has launched a combination multihead weigher for the convenience food market.

The firm said the Mini Sirius, which is designed and built in its factory in Hartlebury, Worcestershire, would initially be available with 10, 14 and 16 weigh heads.

It handles "sticky" products such as cut fresh fruit, glacé cherries, grated cheese, meats in sauce, cooked rice and all kinds of pasta.

DWS Worcester managing director Malcolm Davies said the operating speed would depend on the product being handled. If it flowed easily, the 10-head Mini Sirius could handle 40 packs per minute; the 14-head, 70-80 packs per minute; and the 16-head version, 80-90 packs per minute.

The Mini Sirius is mobile and has a footprint of less than two square metres. It also features an integrated feed system mounted on a built-in lift, which is automatically lowered to the ground for cleaning.

"Because the pre-feed conveyor or vibrator tray to feed the multihead weigher is not a separate item, there is no requirement for a gantry or platform," Davies added.

"This means that once the product is in the feed hopper, no more labour is required until filled packs are removed from the line."

The Mini Sirius is available now and, according to Davies, is "very competitively" priced compared with other in-line weighing machines.