Labor, cost savings
The main advantage of Unifiller’s sandwich depositors is the labor savings they offer users, Mr. Sigrist said.
“Photo sensor modules automate processes where one can easily remove manual operators from the production line and move them to other areas of production if needed,” he said. “One can easily scale up production without hiring on more labor.”
There are other advantages — the cost savings, for instance, that come with portion control and reducing product waste. Product quality also can be improved, through the application of consistent and accurate portions. Higher production yields are another benefit many users find using the 1000i series.
One of the things that differentiates Unifiller’s sandwich production equipment is the company’s understanding of its market and the needs of its customers, Mr. Sigrist said. Food safety, for instance, is a big concern of its clients, so Unifiller puts a lot of effort into the sanitary design of its products. The company’s latest line of depositors features upgraded pneumatic control systems designed to work in the cold environments needed for sandwich production. That substantially reduces the pooling of water and food particles, moisture buildup, damage from caustic cleaning processes and daily wear and tear.
Another hallmark of Unifiller’s sandwich depositors is their ease of use, Mr. Sigrist said.
“We understand that it’s getting harder to recruit experienced staff, and baby boomers are retiring, so our equipment is designed to be simple, with an easy-to-use interface that doesn’t require extensive training or reading of manuals,” he said.
In addition, Unifiller equipment has features like one-turn calibrated speed dial, quick connect fittings for attachments and tool-free design — all, Mr. Sigrist said, make maintenance, change-over and downtime easier. And some Unifiller depositors are capable of storing up to 100 recipes, so varieties can be built into the equipment and recipes recalled at the push of a button.
Different hopper sizes, heated hoppers, hopper stirrers and agitators allow producers to maintain product integrity better, and traveling bridges are available for use over form-fill and tray seal systems, Mr. Sigrist said. In addition, the 1000i depositors fit easily into existing or new sandwich production systems and integrate well with flow wrapping systems.
“Ultimately, our customers keep coming back to us because our equipment is easy to use, our after-sales service is spot-on and they trust the sales experience,” Mr. Sigrist said. “We focus on building a long-term relationship by really pinpointing their needs and ensuring the consultation process is focused on them.”
With grab-and-go convenience foods on the rise, demand for sandwich production equipment like the 1000i series is growing, Mr. Sigrist said. Sandwiches, burgers and handheld items accounted for more than $205 billion in sales in 2016, according to data from Chicago-based Technomic. And there are a lot of future customers out there waiting to be converted to automation, Mr. Sigrist said.
“There are still a lot of producers making sandwiches by hand,” he said. “It’s labor intensive and expensive. They may not be aware of all the equipment options available, or their volume and variety requires a lot of changeover, and they’re not sure of how to eliminate that.”
Mr. Sigrist is confident, though, that more and more sandwich producers will be convinced of the advantages of switching from hand- to machine-made.
“The grab-and-go market is growing, and companies will see advantages in integrating some automation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Unifiller is gearing up to meet new industry challenges — like growing demand for ethnic flavors and non-conventional formats that could redefine the sandwich category.
“We’re always innovating — it’s one of our core values,” Mr. Sigrist said. “And we’re planning to evolve with our customers and the emerging trends within the industry. We believe our equipment can offer producers the same advantages, regardless of whether they’re depositing mayo or a Thai chili sauce.”
