Trade show, local support and unique technology make clean sweep

James Colyer, General Manager of Homecare de México (Guadalupe, México), finds equipment solutions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. His visit to the last show led to the purchase of two new induction sealing systems that virtually eliminated the possibility of leakage during distribution and protected his product against product tampering.

Protecting Product Integrity

Founded in 1969, Homecare de México is the sole producer and marketer of Swipe™ cleaning products throughout México and Central America. Previously produced exclusively for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Swipe™ is a versatile yet powerful cleanser appropriate for both industrial and household use. Packaged in plastic containers, Swipe™ is now available in over 30 countries in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

During distribution throughout México and Central America, the bottles are exposed to very diverse terrain, ranging from sea level altitudes to mountainous regions located 10,000 feet above sea level. These variations cause pressure changes that affect the amount of air present in the headspace of each cleanser bottle, which can ultimately cause leaks.

Enercon’s induction technology can be applied in a variety of configurations

Colyer headed to PELV (Pack Expo Las Vegas) to find a packaging solution that would allow delivery of his high quality cleaning products to customers in top condition. “I needed a cost-effective sealing solution that would ensure product integrity and prevent leaks,” he reflected.

Searching for a Solution

At PELV, Colyer reviewed a large number of sealing options. “The show is very well-organized, and I was able to investigate an impressive range of systems all under one roof,” he explained. “Live demonstrations on the show floor allowed me to compare available technology and select the systems that best met my company’s needs.” After researching a number of different options, Homecare de México purchased an Enercon Super Seal™ induction cap sealing system as well as a manual/hand operated Enercon Compak™ Jr.

“Enercon’s technology is user-friendly”

Homecare de México’s transition to the new technology was seamless. “Enercon’s induction sealing technology is extremely user-friendly,” confirmed Colyer. “It fit well within our existing packaging operations and didn’t slow down our packaging line. Now nearly all of our products are hermetically sealed by one of our two new induction sealers.”

Before leaving the packaging line, cleaning products at Homecare de México are conveyed under the sealing head of the Super Seal™ induction sealer. There, an electrical current is released, creating an electromagnetic field that hermetically seals foil closures to the mouth of each bottle. The Super Seal™ induction sealer is used for high volume applications, while the Compak™ Jr. induction sealer, a tabletop model of the larger technology, is used for low volume applications.

One feature of the Enercon technology that was especially important to Homecare de México was the All-in-One sealing head. Homecare de México offers a variety of different cleaning products, packaged in bottles of different shapes and sizes and requiring 24, 28 or 34 mm caps. The All-in-One sealing head pivots, lengthening the induction field so it can seal caps up to 120 mm in diameter. This innovation eliminates the need for packaging engineers to change flat coils to tunnel coils to accommodate various cap sizes and shapes. “This valuable feature saves time and minimizes the chance for operator error,” explained Colyer.

“It might sound odd to travel to Las Vegas to find a company that provides technical support right in my own backyard,”

Local support adds value

Having no prior experience with induction sealing technology, technical support and customer service from Enercon was essential to a smooth transition. Through a local partner in nearby Monterrey, México, Enercon was able to offer Homecare de México customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

“It might sound odd to travel to Las Vegas to find a company that provides technical support right in my own backyard,” explained Colyer. “But that demonstrates what a comprehensive international show PELV is and the quality of exhibitors who participate.”

“Eliminate returns due to leaking bottles”

The two Enercon induction sealers that Homecare de México purchased have proven to be very sound investments. Induction sealing has increased consumer confidence, protected products from tampering and, most importantly, protected against product leakage.

“Product returns due to leaking bottles have been virtually eliminated,” explained Colyer. “We are now able to deliver our high quality cleaning products to customers in perfect condition. We were so happy with the technology that we purchased an additional Super Seal™ system.”

This article is reprinted with permission of A.B. Isacson Associates, Inc.