Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery debuts its Split Hopper dry powder filler

The filling equipment conforms to 3-A Sanitary Standard No. 27-06 for the packaging of dry products and are used for sanitary applications including powdered dairy and other dry milk products, infant formula, powdered eggs and whey powder. 

Mexico & Latin America

Timm Johnson, VP sales/marketing, Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, told FoodProductionDaily.com the hoppers for these types of baggers are often several feet in the air, which makes changing tooling and cleaning very challenging.

Each half of the split hopper is machined from stainless steel and then hinged, enabling the hopper to split and swing open for easier access when changing tooling or during cleaning.

“​The 20-Gallon Split Hopper is the next generation of split hoppers, joining a 16-gallon split hopper version that we manufacture​,” he said.

“Our customers are continually looking to expand their filling capabilities, and offering them a larger split-hopper option gives them greater flexibility to do that​.

“We have also seen a growing need for sanitary fillers following the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. That’s why it’s important to receive the 3-A Sanitary Standard for our fillers​.”

Aggressive goals in 2015

Johnson said the company recently expanded its team hiring Richard Laforest in May handling project management for both domestic customers and clients in Mexico and Latin America and Tony Stefanelli who joined in August as vice president of business development.

“We have aggressive goals in 2015, and Laforest and Stefanelli will play key roles in helping us realize them​,” he added.

“One of the main challenges we face is being able to identify future trends with our customers and to anticipate their filling challenges. This includes growing into the Mexican and Latin American markets. Who are the major food companies, what are their specific needs and how can we fulfil them​?

“Sanitary fillers will become more popular and necessary. As regulations are finalized for the Food Safety Modernization Act (which was passed in 2011), more companies will apply to use the 3-A symbol on their equipment​.

“We are just starting to focus on the global market. Our first emphasis will be on Mexico and Latin America followed by South America. China and the Middle East are not in our short-term plans​.”

Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery​ will be exhibiting its dry product powder filling machines at booth #N-5441, Pack Expo.​