Germany-headquartered contract manufacturer SternMaid has commissioned a new line for filling products into a variety of different packs for the downstream food and pharma industries. The line can re-fill powdered food ingredients such as hydrocolloids or pharmaceutical excipients from any initial container into almost any other pack format the customer wishes – from FIBCs, to sacks, boxes or drums.

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Depending on the shape of the container, the new station can be equipped with different filling heads and supplementary functions. Its modular structure permits flexible product changing. SternMaid guarantees adherence to quality and safety standards with protective screening and metal detection. It also meets the requirements for allergen management, kosher and halal approval and organic products. 

 

Saving time, personnel, and costs

 

“Re-filling powders from large containers into smaller packs, or vice-versa, is often a challenge to our customers from the fields of raw material production or downstream processing,” explained Mark Riemer, SternMaid’s commercial manager. “Raw materials in powder form are often delivered in FIBCs, for example, but for further processing they may be needed in sacks, boxes or drums. SternMaid can undertake this re-filling as a service; it can also put the products into intermediate storage and deliver them to the recipient. For the customer, that means a saving in time, personnel, and ultimately costs.”

 

Established in 1996 and today part of the Stern-Wywiol Gruppe, SternMaid has grown to become one of Europe’s leading contract manufacturers. With over 300 employees, the company offers a wide range of services. Besides manufacturing powdered food ingredients, food supplements and pharmaceutical excipients on a contract basis, SternMaid blends and processes special ingredients for baby food, vitamin mixtures and foods for special dietetic purposes.