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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

Cobram Estate Olives (CBO) has formally claimed a purchase price adjustment of up to US$31.9 million on its California Olive Ranch (COR) acquisition and expects to pay no earn-out on the deal, as the Australian producer works through the completion of its largest ever transaction.

Maggie Beer Holdings (MBH) has pushed back the expected timing of its proposed $10 million sale of Hampers and Gifts Australia (HGA), with completion now targeted for February 2027 rather than a binding agreement signed by the end of this month.

RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia have launched the new Food and Beverage SME Packaging and Machinery Solution Centre, to help Australian food and beverage SMEs navigate the complex transition to more sustainable packaging and processing technologies, while protecting product quality and minimising food waste.