ULMA Packaging supports Orkney Crab’s move to high-performance thermoforming with the TFS 500
At ULMA Packaging, we support Orkney Crab’s move to high-performance thermoforming with our TFS 500.
Orkney Crab, based in Orkney, Scotland, is a specialist seafood processor handling premium shellfish sourced from local waters. With a strong emphasis on quality, provenance and sustainability, the company supplies medium to large whole crab and lobster to customers in the UK and overseas.
For Orkney Crab, packaging plays a critical role in both product protection and presentation. As volumes increased, the business sought a robust thermoforming solution that could improve efficiency, reduce waste and deliver a consistently high-quality finish, even when handling challenging products such as whole crab.
Challenges for Orkney Crab
Whole crab is a difficult product to package due to natural variation in size, shape and weight. Orkney Crab therefore required a thermoformer capable of handling this variability, while maintaining high throughput and an attractive, uniform pack presentation.
In addition, the business wanted greater flexibility to run different pack sizes on the same line, alongside improved operational efficiency and reduced material waste, all without compromising on product quality.
The opportunity
Orkney Crab was introduced to us during its research into thermoforming solutions and quickly recognised ULMA as a promising potential partner. Confidence in our technology was further strengthened when we invited Orkney Crab to our demo facility to trial its own product on the TFS 500 thermoformer.
Running a whole crab on the machine, a test that mirrors real-world production demands, proved to be a key deciding factor. With our technical team fine-tuning the setup during the trials, Orkney Crab was able to see first-hand how the TFS 500 could consistently deliver results with a challenging product.
The solution
Following successful trials, Orkney Crab invested in a ULMA TFS 500 thermoformer, installed in November 2024 as a new addition to its production facility.
The TFS 500 is now used to package medium to large whole crabs, with the added capability to process lobsters on the same line. Quick, simple tooling changes enable rapid switching between pack sizes, allowing a single machine to efficiently process different products. The system also offers dual-crab packing capability, allowing two crabs to be thermoformed in a single cycle where product size permits, further improving productivity.
Installation and training
Our engineering team completed the installation smoothly, with minimal disruption to production. Clear communication throughout the project kept Orkney Crab’s team fully informed, while comprehensive testing was conducted before the final handover.
We also provided on-site training during installation, enabling operators to quickly become confident and self-sufficient in operating the TFS 500.
Performance and results
Since commissioning, the TFS 500 has reliably fulfilled production needs. The machine efficiently manages high daily crab volumes and has proved to be highly dependable.
Improvements in efficiency and pack consistency have reduced waste and rework, delivering measurable operational and cost benefits. The TFS 500 also delivers exceptionally clear pack presentation, ensuring that each crab is displayed to a consistently high standard, an important factor for Orkney Crab’s premium market positioning.
A trusted partnership
Orkney Crab’s experience working with us has been positive throughout the project lifecycle. From initial trials and machine selection to installation and aftersales support, we have offered a responsive and collaborative approach.
This ongoing support gives confidence not only in the performance of our equipment, but also in the long-term partnership with ULMA Packaging.
“Seeing our own product running on the TFS 500 at ULMA’s demo site gave us complete confidence. Since installation, the machine has been incredibly reliable and delivers a consistently high-quality pack, even with a challenging product like whole crab.”
Carla Brown, Office & Dispatch Manager, Orkney Crab
