Exclusive Interview: Behind the creation of the CH-70 with Rich Clifton

Thank you for being here today. To start off, could you tell us a bit about yourself? 

Of course! My name is Rich Clifton, Director of Marketing and Communications at R.A Jones. I’m also the Product Owner for our chub machinery. It’s my pleasure to give our existing and future customers an insight into the creation of our new KartridgPak® CH-70, including its features and benefits.

We’re here today to talk about the CH-70. As one of its creators, could you tell us about the inspiration and design behind it?

Sure! One simple factor drove us to create the CH-70: solving a market need. We received numerous requests from customers that wanted the dependability, reliability, and superior package registration that a KartridgPak® chub machine is known for but did not have product volumes large enough to justify the purchase of the higher speed CH-150. Ultimately, the goal of the project was to create a durable and reliable machine that a medium-sized customer could afford.    

What factors drove the creation of the CH-70, and how did its development process unfold?

The design for the CH-70 was focused on usability. For example, the guarding has been improved with double-hinged doors that provide full access to the machine. It’s also completely servo driven, which utilizes the latest technology to increase production flexibility. The machine is also constructed of stainless-steel to provide durability in harsh washdown environments. 

When we started evaluating the design of the new machine it was clear that we needed to innovate. That’s why this machine utilizes direct drive servo technology, which provides a quicker and easier changeover. Now, when a customer wants to go from a 1lb chub to a 2lb chub, all they need to do is push a button on the HMI and they are ready to run. It also lowers maintenance costs, allows for a smaller machine footprint, and maximizes OEE and uptime for our customers.  

Who other factors did you have in mind while designing the CH-70? 

The focus was on the customer. Specifically, what features would be required to provide long-lasting customer benefits. One of those new features is our Optimate HMI. This intuitive HMI is now the standard on new R.A Jones developments and provides customers with a machine that is easy to run and an interface that is simple to understand.

The machine also brings superior graphic registration to this mid-level market. Now, smaller companies can have the same high-end package look and compete side by side in the store with products from larger companies.    

Let’s talk about benefits: what makes the CH-70 unique?

It’s designed to provide lasting value and quick return on investment for customers going from manual clipping to medium speed automation. Additionally, the machine is built on 70 years of chub machine experience. No one else can claim that, since KartridgPak® was the original chub packaging machine.

Now, thanks to newer technology, the all-servo design allows the CH-70 to be even more flexible from a package length standpoint compared to our previous machines. The CH-70 also continues the tradition of using flat plastic film (rather than natural casings) and forming clips from wire spools, providing the lowest packaging cost in the market today.  

Using just three words, what does this machine offer?

Flexibility, reliability, affordability.

Before we wrap up, is there a final message you’d like to leave with those reading this interview? 

The KartridgPak® CH-70 combines the latest technology with proven reliability to meet tangible market needs. And it does all that while maintaining an affordable price point for medium-sized companies.

Ready to optimize your operation with our customer-driven designs?