G. Mondini Launches Automated Tray Sealer for Small, Midsize Food Producers
August 24, 2022
Harpak-ULMA, the North American distributor of tray sealing manufacturer G. Mondini, has announced commercial availability of the Cigno (pronounced Cheenyo), a fully automatic compact tray sealer that looks to increase productivity for small-to-midsize food operations.
The Cigno is designed for streamlined installation, has low staff and infrastructure requirements, and a gas flush design that eliminates the need for more expensive vacuum pumps or compressed air. The reduced complexity and intuitive functioning ensure greater ease of use while minimizing training requirements, the company said. The Cigno design also supports augmented reality (AR)-guided work instructions, which lets complete novices become proficient operators in less time than other systems. The toolless changeover design also accommodates format changes without the need for wrenches or trolleys.
A stainless-steel frame and accessibility features help to achieve straightforward wash-down operations, Harpak-ULMA added. The Cigno includes a cycle rate of between 20 to 30 ppm at a competitive price point, making it ideal for testing and pilot purposes, as well as back-of-store operations.
The Cigo can be conveyor-fed, delivering automated product loading capability at a price typically reserved for semi-automatic machines, the company continued. The advanced MAP tray-sealing technology is available in a compact footprint (1.6 meters), which is below the industry standard of 2.4 meters. While the Cigno supports a variety of products in many food packaging applications, the compact tray sealer delivers the greatest benefits to smaller meat, produce, and ready-meal retailers, as well as supermarket back-of-store operations, the company said.
“If you have space restrictions or limited technical support, the Cigno tray sealer should be on your radar,” said Carlo Bergonzi, a product manager at Harpak-ULMA. “It’s an innovative machine design that can be easily integrated into existing facilities with MAP capabilities that apply across many food-industry segments. Adopting the Cigo is a great first step for smaller manufacturers or retailers that need tray sealing technology. It has the price point and flexibility of a semi-automatic machine, but delivers the automated approach previously associated only with an in-line machine.”
For more details on the Cigno, visit the Harpak-ULMA website here.
