Supreme Petfoods has doubled its production throughput following the installation of two new automated packing lines designed and delivered by GIC, the company announced.
The Suffolk, UK-based manufacturer, known for its Science Selective and Tiny Friends Farm brands, initiated the upgrade in late 2024 to modernize its bakery product packing capabilities. The project included the addition of overhead gantries, infeed and outfeed conveyors, bulk hoppers, Yamato weighers, and two GIC 2100 vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines.
"Even during the installation phase, production continued without interruption," said Nick Thomas, technical manager at Supreme Petfoods. "While there was a backlog due to the 24-hour production schedule, we were able to clear it within three days once the first line was up and running. The second line followed shortly after, and together, the lines doubled our throughput, allowing us to reach over 100 packs per minute."
The collaboration between Supreme and GIC dates back over two decades, noted the company. A VFB1 installed in 2001 was replaced as part of this most recent investment. GIC’s current managing director, Andy Beal, was the original salesperson on that project.
Supreme first adopted automated packing at its Hadleigh site in 2018, followed by a second line in 2020. Thomas said the equipment's reliability influenced the decision to return to GIC. “There was no need for extensive training — everyone just got straight to work due to their familiarity with the equipment," said Thomas.
Keith Marrow, project manager at GIC, noted the efficiency of the new lines. “We aim to establish long-term relationships with our clients, and having worked with Nick and the team for over 24 years, we've certainly achieved that with Supreme Petfoods,” he said. “We were even more pleased to hear that line one of the project hit one million packs without any issue in just over six weeks of being installed.”
The company noted the new packing lines also maintain strict separation between meat-based dog treats and plant-based small pet foods to ensure compliance and product integrity.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Supreme Petfoods distributes its small animal products globally, with strong market presence in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
