Created by Dewsbury-based automation firm Sewtec, the bespoke machine will be used to bring a new Tetley fruit tea line to the UK and has an output of 260m tea bags every week. The company is now able to pack 2,000 bags every minute with this new system.
Commenting on the new machine, Tata Global Beverages manufacturing manager John Bishop said: “This has been a milestone 180th year for the Tetley brand. We continue to implement our successful strategy of entering new categories, energising product development and extending our global footprint in the tea segment.
‘Work faster and more effectively’
“Automation is vital to our manufacturing process, now and in the future. We appointed Sewtec because of its outstanding reputation in delivering bespoke automated solutions for the beverage industry. Our machine has already enabled us to bring a new product to market and will allow us to work faster and more effectively from our state-of-the-art facility.”
A specialist in designing and implementing automated systems, Sewtec has worked with a number of international food and drink manufacturers, including Mars and Unilever. Last summer, the company revealed it had a £25m order book and was on track to double turnover to £32m by 2022.
‘Bespoke and automated’
Sewtec managing director Mark Cook added: “Tata Global Beverages is a world leader in its sector and very mature in its use of automation. Establishing an efficient production process is crucial for any food and drink business, and this really is best achieved through a bespoke and automated approach.
“It’s very rewarding to have produced a highly effective solution which meets the company’s requirements and will underpin its ongoing success.”
Meanwhile, Food Manufacture Excellence Awards shortlisted manufacturer Nim’s Fruit Crisps has launched its own range of tea and infusions.
