Canadian food processing and packaging company SunOpta has completed the installation of two additional flexible re-sealable pouch filling lines at its Allentown, Pennsylvania facility in the US.
The installation will bring the facility's total pouch filling capacity to about 140 million units, with strategic production on both the east and west coasts of the country.
SunOpta is said to continue to broaden its pouch applications to include the adult nutritional category, beverages and functional and fortified foods, with the expanded capacity in place.
Within its aseptic beverage operations, the company also installed new multi-serve filler at each of its Modesto, California and Alexandria, Minnesota facilities.
A single serve (200/250ml) filler has also been installed at the Modesto operation.
The three fillers, which are now operational are said to help the company to bring a new packaging format to its customers, bringing its total annual aseptic beverage production capacity to about 400 million quarts.
SunOpta chief executive officer Steve Bromley said continued expansion of the company's re-sealable pouch and aseptic beverage capabilities remains a key objective designed to leverage its integrated field to table capabilities.
"Both our Allentown and Modesto facilities can accommodate further expansion and our intention is to continue to grow these businesses and maintain a leading position in the flexible re-sealable pouch and aseptic beverage markets," Bromley added.
