WOLF stresses machine reliability

NEARLY three decades after it was founded, WOLF Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH remains firm on its product development framework of greater reliability and output at lower costs. This insistence on equipment dependability and cost efficiency has enabled the Lich-Birklar, Germany-based company to establish itself as a dominant player in the packaging machine industry worldwide.

The company has installed more than 3000 packaging machines and lines around the world at present, and the number will continue to grow as WOLF expands its global network.

Strengthening Asian footprint

The company is particularly keen in growing its presence in Asia, where it already has several operations. More than 60% of the company’s turnover comes from Asia. Its participation at ProPak Asia every year reaffirms the company’s commitment to the Asian market.

According to owner and CEO Günter Wolf, “We have been joining the show for more than 25 years now. The Thailand market is a very important market for us.”

WOLF maintains its own offices in several Asian countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It continues to enjoy a strong presence in Indonesia and Pakistan and sees growth potential in both the Philippines and Malaysia despite the up and down market movements in both countries. It is slowly penetrating the packaging industry in Myanmar.

“We’re hoping to establish our company’s name in Iran. It’s a good market. We have already installed machines there and we hope to continue widening our reach in the country, although there are of course challenges as regards the embargo,” added Mr Wolf.

Günter Wolf, owner and CEO of WOLF Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, sees growth potential for its products in Asia

Eyeing growth in food industry

WOLF is keen in expanding its food industry business. Its form, fill and seal machines and accessories are widely used for packing powders, liquids, solids, and pasty products. “We’re doing coffee, milk powder, baby food, you name it. Tea is also one of our strong products,” added Mr Wolf.

The company places a premium on quality standards compliance in both material and workmanship and invests in advanced technologies to ensure its packaging machines and lines are reliable and optimal. 

The company’s use of modular designs lets it cut the technical components needed, which in turn, reduces costs. Because the machines are easily upgradeable and serviced, overall cost efficiency is further increased. All these help manufacturers reduce their expenses.

One of WOLF’s latest releases is the stick counting machine for 3-in-one instant coffee, which is a popular on-the-go product in countries like Thailand and the Philippines.

To fill powder into flexible bags, the company offers an auger feeder and vertical bagger.

The company is also promoting its EPS machine for packing sweet and savoury snacks. A servo-driven continuous motion bagger can pack extruded snacks at 130 bags/minute, and potato chips at up to 115 bags per minute. Since it combines a multihead weigher and an inline metal detector, this machine boasts a smaller footprint.

The EPS 250 features an integrated multihead weigher and metal detector of almost any type. Designed for the packaging of extruded snacks, potato chips, nuts and sweets of any kind, it supports all heat-sealable wrapping materials, pillow and chain bags, and 50mm to 250mm bag widths. It can handle up to 150 bags per minute with a filling volume of up to 6,000cm³.