Case Study: Ashmore Foods – GSP 50s INOX Flow Wrapper Installation

Ashmore Foods, a well-known seafood processor based in Mornington, Tasmania, recently upgraded their packaging line by installing a GSP 50s Flow Wrapper from PacMatix. This move helped streamline their operations, improve output, and meet growing demand for customer-specific labelling. This case study explores how tailored flow wrapping technology improved their production efficiency and reduced manual handling on the line.

The Challenge

Ashmore Foods needed to modernise their packaging setup to meet increasing production demand and evolving customer requirements. Their previous flow wrapper was outdated and presented several operational limitations — including serious safety concerns. The older machine lacked proper interlocks and could run with safety guards open, posing risks to operators and making OH&S compliance difficult.

Key challenges included:

• Reducing downtime during product and film changeovers

• Printing specific label data on every individual pack

• Maintaining hygiene standards while reducing reliance on manual labour

• Improving overall throughput without increasing headcount

• Replacing a legacy system that posed safety risks in daily use

The Solution - A GSP 50s Flow Wrapper

PacMatix supplied and installed a GSP 50s Flow Wrapper, built by General System Pack, part of the Tecno Pack Group in Italy. The machine was configured with an integrated thermal printer and modern safety features, tailored for seafood packaging applications.

Key solution features included:

• Fast, intuitive film reel changeovers to reduce downtime

• Built-in printer for dynamic customer-specific labelling

• Stainless-steel construction for hygienic operation

• Advanced safety interlocks, meeting modern OH&S standards

The GSP 50s is part of our range of horizontal flow wrappers, ideal for chilled food lines, seafood, fresh produce, and bakery packaging.

The Results

Ashmore Foods saw immediate improvements following installation:

• Higher Output – Faster throughput with a leaner team

• Custom Labelling – Labels printed on every pack to match customer specifications

• Improved Operator Safety – Interlocks prevent operation when guards are open

• Reduced Manual Handling – Lower labour requirements with streamlined operation

• Enhanced Hygiene – Easier cleaning and reduced product contact

Customer Testimonial

“The GSP 50 Flow Wrapper has significantly enhanced our production capacity, sales, and operational safety. The new system allows us to label at customer specifications, ensuring all necessary information is printed directly onto individual packs. PacMatix provided outstanding sales and service support, making the transition seamless and highly beneficial for our operations.”— Sam Crosswell, Operations Manager – Ashmore Foods

Watch the GSP 50s in Action

Flow Wrappers for Tasmania and Regional Australia

PacMatix has completed over 50 GSP flow wrapper installations across Australia, including regional locations in Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. Whether you're packaging seafood, produce, bakery, or chilled goods, our Italian-built machines and responsive local support team deliver better performance and peace of mind.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between flow wrap and overwrap?

Flow wrap is what you’ll often see on food products like muesli bars, bakery goods, or produce trays — it’s fast, hygienic, and forms a tight, sealed pack around the product using flexible film. It’s ideal for high-speed lines and consistent output.

Overwrap, on the other hand, is more common for things like boxed chocolates or cosmetics. It involves loosely wrapping film (often polypropylene or cellophane) around the product, then heat-sealing it for a premium finish.

Think of it this way:

• Flow wrap = speed, efficiency, and airtight protection

• Overwrap = presentation and shelf appeal

Who makes flow wrappers?

There are lots of global manufacturers out there, but here in Australia, PacMatix Pty Ltd represents GSP and the Tecno Pack Group from Italy. These machines are known for being reliable, well-built, and perfect for local industries like fresh produce, bakery, ready meals, and pet food.

If you're looking for a machine that runs smoothly and is backed by proper local support — that’s what we do best.

What is a flowpack?

“Flowpack” is just another word people use for flow wrap. It describes the same style of pack — a tight, sealed wrap using flexible film — and the same process.

You’ll hear both terms used depending on the industry or the country, but they refer to the same horizontal wrapping method used for lots of everyday packaged goods.