With the recent installation of a new Enterprise Tondelli canning line Storefast Solutions Ltd based in Northfleet in the South East have increased their capacity for contract canning by more than 400%. Established more than 35 years ago, Storefast Solutions Ltd were already servicing the beverage sector with their existing craft canning line installed a few years ago but have seen a strong demand for their small to medium-sized canning offering. Their speciality centres around RTD cocktails, energy drinks and premium soft drinks, all of which are market sectors that have seen staggering growth. Can sizes are from 150 ml slim to 500 ml std along with sleek and the capability for both lid sizes.
The new project posed several challenges that Enterprise Tondelli worked together with Storefast Solutions Ltd to find solutions too. Due to high demand it was not possible to just to stop the old line and then install the new one. Therefore the project was carried out meticulously in three phases that added to the complexity and planning but did not interrupt production. Another driver for the new line was sustainability whether that be in packaging or energy for the new project.
“Harp of the line”
At the heart of the line is a new rotary can filler /seamer that was described by one member of Storefast Solutions Ltd staff
“as a harp playing beautiful mu
sic at the centre of the orchestra !” – praise indeed. The filler manufactured in Italy by Enterprise’s partner Matrix features flow meter filling technology for very accurate filling and increased yield for their customers. As contract packers and developers of products for customers, Storefast Solutions Ltd wanted to have the highest level of hygiene possible so the selection of a filler with a central bowl means it could be fitted with a CIP spray ball for better cleaning. Control of the filling valves by using electro pneumatic controls gives great flexibility of the filling process depending on the recipe selected specific to the product. It also means very few mechanical parts in contact with the product also making cleaning easier and more effective. In fact the filler has a fully automatic six stage internal cleaning process for the bowl, valves, purges, snifts etc.
This means that during CIP the filler’s six different mini circuits are cleaned every few minutes to ensure all pathways are cleaned with the correct pressure and flow. Another feature of the filler is the possibility to fill widget cans with an additional high pressure purging manifold connected to the valves. This give new opportunities for filling in the field of RTD cocktails………
Quality assurance
Post filler Enterprise Tondelli supplied an x ray level inspection/rejection system to ensure fill level integrity to enhance the usual manual checks which
are part of Storefast Solutions Ltd quality control and assurance protocols. This is evidenced by their achievement of the prestigious BRC AA* grade.
Very precise PU control
A new six zone tunnel pasteuriser 
complete with cooling tower was installed as phase 1 to allow the higher capacity. The all stainless steel machine has a very precise temperature control that ensures accurate pu’s even in the event of a build back. Should there be upstream stoppages for instance, the constructional design of the machine means that within 2 minutes the pasteurisation zone can be below 55 degrees C. and then conversely within 30 seconds being able to accrue pasteurisation units again. This is particularly important with low PU products. The use of stainless steel plate ty
pe heat exchangers assists with quicker start up in the morning and a ring main cooling circuit reduces water consumption and ensures all water is collected and re-used – even to the point of blowing the water from the top of the cans back into the machine so it is not lost. Compact water reservoirs and fully insulated top, sides and base of the hot zones help to reduce energy consumption still further. An open architecture on the software enables Storefast Solutions Ltd to quickly and easily add new programmes on their own making them very flexible for the customer base.
Sustainable packaging
In keeping with the very flexible and carbon sensitive offering from Storefast Solutions Ltd the end of the line packaging equipment is no exception. A Baumer packer from Enterprise was supplied and can handle a wide variety of boards from standard corrugated, micro flute to kraft board for multipacks. The machine can produce high sided trays so no shrink film, as well as wraparound cartons and FEC multipacks. A range of pack sizes from 24 can packs down to 4 packs and all sizes in between can be produced. These are then discharged for palletising or over wrapped if a customer market requires. Baumer have been producing packaging machines for nearly 50 years and manufacture wraparound cartonners up to 100 cpm, shrinkwrappers up to 200 ppm, combined machines and patented multipacking machines designed to be film free.
An important part of the project was the integration conveyors 
which were from Eurosistemi who are a key manufacturing partner of Enterprise. Enterprise supplied both empty, full can and pack conveyors for the line along with a stainless steel control panel and filed wiring. For widget cans the conveyors use drop twists to ensure Nitrogen integrity.
The complete project was designed and managed locally by the UK office of Enterprise Tondelli who are based in Parma, Italy. Mr. Garry Wilson, project director at Enterprise said “ “This was a challenging project that required much planning and cooperation between our teams. It is very satisfying to see the results of everyone’s hard work. Storefast Solutions Ltd now have a world class facility to be proud of and I look forward with great interest to the next project.”
Storefast Solutions Ltd are very committed to minimising their carbon footprint and impact on the environment so have also installed a new solar panel array as well.
What more from Storefast Solutions Ltd?
Storefast Solutions Ltd offer more than just a canning facility for customers they also offer a full liquid development suite to help bring customers new products to market. The service can include custom liquid Creation, Flavour Profiling, Recipe Development, Ingredient Sourcing, Professional Tasting Panels and of course packaging in either cans or bag in box. They have years of experience in mixology and beverage development, and pride themselves on their creativity, precision, and dedication to quality. Further details of their services and expertise can be found at www.storefast.co.uk
Nick Kirby, Managing Director of Storefast Solutions Ltd commented “We are thrilled by the installation of our state-of-the-art drinks canning line from Enterprise Tondelli! This marks a significant milestone for us, enhancing our production efficiency and ensuring the highest quality for our RTDs. The new canning line is not only faster but also more precise, reducing waste and improving sustainability. Now, with this advanced system, we can meet growing demand and keep our customers refreshed and satisfied. The new line underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the beverage industry….. Here’s to innovation, efficiency, and perfectly canned beverages every time! Thank you Enterprise”
Enterprise Tondelli has been working in the industry since 1977 and supplying equipment in over 40 countries. The Storefast Solutions Ltd canning project is just one of the latest projects by Enterprise that have ranged in scope from nitro beer canning, multipurpose spirit bottling, high speed wine bottling and turn key beer bottling. Suppling canning lines 1,500 to 72,000 cans per hour , bottling from 600 to 60,000 bph and kegging lines too. This wealth of experience ensures Enterprise add something to all their pro-jects.”
Other case studies with videos and a full range of equipment can be found on their website:- www.enterprisetondelli.co.uk – “from single machines to complete turn key factories”.
