Close×

At its booth, Kockums Bulk Systems is showing off the latest version of the B&C Form Fill & Seal machine from Italy, capable of filling sacks with almost anything. This is the Kockums product that has made the company the primary supplier to Europe’s agricultural industry. 

The fully automatic machine can package a range of soils, potting mixes, peats, mulches, fertilisers, seeds, kitty litter, barks and even pebbles – the products found in hardware and D-I-Y chains like Bunnings. Potting mix rates are typically 18 to 21 sacks produced per minute. 

The B&C machine is fully automatic. Some of its many new gen features are patented. Its volumetric feeder stands above the norm, with unique features that ensure an accurate and reliable flow of all agricultural products. 

When bag size changes are required, the correct size forming tube is selected from a set that is mounted on a carousel. With quick-change film facilities also, minimal down time occurs to yield optimum throughput. It accommodates plastic film rolls weighing up to 350kg, so continuous runs of up to 4000 bags are possible. 

A baler option has recently become available and has been used for creating compressed lucerne bales, being produced with an attractively printed plastic cover. 

Food & Drink Business

The Central Coast is about to receive a boost to its local food and beverage manufacturing industry, with construction starting on the $17.14 million Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub, funded by the federal government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NFR).

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) says Australia is at a “critical crossroads” when it comes to R&D and decades of rhetoric have not delivered material change.

New Zealand’s national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, New Zealand Winegrowers, has released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting the industry’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability through its climate change, water, people, soil, waste, and plant protection goals.