Automated Packaging Systems Takes the Heat off Packaging Operations at Baxi Group

- AirPouch saves time, labour, factory space and costs

TOTAL Show, NEC - 15 May 2007 - Automated Packaging Systems, the world leader in high-reliability packaging is showcasing its AirPouch™ desktop void-fill packaging system at the TOTAL Show. The Baxi Group, a leading manufacturer of boilers and heating appliances, recently installed Automated Packaging Systems’ AirPouch product at its factory in Preston, Lancashire, where it manufactures the Baxi and Potterton brands of boilers and heaters.

The Baxi Group distributes its heating appliance spare parts throughout the country and until recently used an alternative void-fill system to ensure that parcels of spare parts were safe and secure while in transit. This involved renting two machines that crushed paper, which had to be purchased in vast quantities to provide the void-fill for the spare parts

distribution. When the company decided to look at alternative solutions it turned to Automated Packaging Systems. Baxi’s expediter, Alan Shaw explained, “We were already successfully using the Autobag™ bagging machinery so it was a natural step to evaluate their AirPouch void-filling system.”

“The two existing benches have now been replaced by one totally portable, small-footprint machine that
provides easy-to-use air pillows on demand to meet our void-fill packaging requirements. As well as
saving valuable floor space, only one operator is now required for the efficient AirPouch system,” Alan
Shaw added.

The AirPouch machine is easy to use in either automatic or semi-automatic mode creating continuous
strips of air pillows with easy-tear perforations. Requiring minimal maintenance, AirPouch is a fast
system, operating at 15 meters of void-fill packaging a minute.

Commenting on the installation, Alan Shaw continued, “We were impressed by the neatness and
maneuverability of the machine and were very pleased at the saving in materials – we seem to be using
much less packaging than before. The air pillows go much further than the large amounts of paper we
previously used and we have greater flexibility with AirPouch.”

AirPouch has been a winner all round for the Baxi Group. “We no longer have rental costs, we save on
paper and we only require one machine and operator, freeing up valuable manpower and floor space,”
concluded Alan Shaw.

Other products also being showcased at TOTAL include the new FAS SPrint bagger for the food sector,
the flagship print and pack bagging systems and the OneStep range of machines. To see these products
in action please visit Automated Packaging Systems on stand 4626 at TOTAL 2007.

About Automated Packaging Systems
Automated Packaging Systems is a world leader in high reliability automated packaging solutions with an
unrivalled reputation for high performance, over 25,000 machines in operation worldwide and
productivity-driven solutions backed by a customer service operation that is second to none. Automated
Packaging Systems pioneered the introduction of in-line printing to the bagging operation over 30 years
ago with their Autobag® range of baggers and in-line printers. Designed to meet all the latest industry specific printing requirements at the same time as the bagging operation eliminates the requirement for
a separate printing process, therefore increasing productivity and reducing costs. Further information about the full range of Automated Packaging bags and bagging machinery is available by telephoning the European Headquarters in Malvern, UK on +44 (0)1684 891400.