The Challenge
Our Product Manager - Gary Tufnell and Sales Manager - Tom Hughes approached a leading food manufacturer, who had a persistent problem: manual rice depositing. Manual operations led them to suffer significant product loss, inconsistent portioning, and time inefficiencies. Despite working with several suppliers, they were unable to find a reliable automated solution that could deliver the precision and performance they desired. The lack of consistency in deposits and the labour-intensive setup continued to impact output and operational efficiency.
The Goal
The client needed:
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A fully automated rice depositing solution
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High precision to avoid product loss or misplacement
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A partner who could deliver a reliable, customised, and cost-effective system
The Solution from Sealpac UK & Partners
Enter Leonhardt’s depositing system, introduced by our Product Manager Gary Tufnell and Sales Manager Tom Hughes. After a site visit and listening to the client’s concerns, the SPUK team shared success stories from similar UK and global installations.
To build trust and remove risk, we offered a try-before-you-buy proposition - complete with a money-back guarantee if the solution didn’t deliver. Confident in its capabilities, the client agreed, and a test solution was ordered for on-site trials.
Tuning the Tech On-Site:
During the product trial, our team observed minor rice spillage between the filling head and the tray - an issue that could affect product consistency and waste levels. Rather than compromise or delay the outcome, Gary and Tom improvised. Using their in-depth knowledge and a bit of cardboard engineering, they crafted a DIY prototype mask to match the tray’s dimensions.
The custom-fit fix worked seamlessly - resolving the spillage and delivering consistent, accurate deposits. Pleased with the results, the client moved forward with a fully tailored Leonhardt rice depositing system, manufactured to their exact requirements.
Key highlights Included:
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Automation of a previously manual process
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Reduced labour costs and increased efficiency
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A precision-based solution that delivers consistent output
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Customised machine components tailored to the client’s product and tray
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A trusted partnership backed by on-site innovation and dedication
Conclusion
This project reflects what sets Sealpac UK & Partners apart: our willingness to go beyond the expected, find practical solutions on the ground, and deliver technology that works in the real world - not just on paper.
When precision matters, and no one else gets it right - our team will find a way. Even if it takes a little cardboard engineering.
This project is a great example of how we approach challenges at Sealpac UK – by listening, adapting, and delivering. The client had tried several options before, so building trust was key. By offering a trial solution and working hands-on during testing, we showed our commitment to getting it right. Innovation doesn’t always mean high-tech – sometimes it’s a bit of cardboard and a deep understanding of the product. That’s what sets us apart.
Tom Hughes
Sales Manager | Sealpac UK & Partners