BPI.AGRI invests in new technology – and new possibilities

bpi.agri is set to augment its track record of providing high quality wide width films for agricultural applications with the imminent unveiling of a new production line in Ardeer, Ayrshire. The state-of-the-art wide width line, installed as part of a 7 million investment project at the site, is believed to be one of the widest and most advanced anywhere in the world.

Much of the information regarding the new high efficiency line remains closely guarded but bpi.agri has disclosed it is able to produce film sheets measuring up to 22 metres across and that these sheets can be co-extruded from as many as 5 individual film layers.

This ability to produce such large sheets coupled with the fact that each film layer can be tailored to offer different performance characteristics will enable the line to play a key role in the on-going advancement of bpi.agris high performance Visqueen silage sheet range.

In particular, it will be used to help pioneer new products and to provide additional production capacity for bpi.agris popular Visqueen Agri-S range and for its new range of thinner, flexible clamp sheets known as Visqueen Clingseal.

Launched earlier this year, Clingseal is designed for use beneath a conventional, silage sheet where it clings more closely to the contours of the clamps surface to form a closer fitting air barrier. Feedback for this recently introduced range has been extremely positive and the manufacturer can now take its production to new and exciting levels.

Thanks to the lines technically advanced nature, bpi.agri also enjoys precision control of film width and thickness as well as of polymer blend and dosing. This will ensure the production of films of exceptional consistency and quality which the manufacturer will support with its existing and stringent QA systems.

As with bpi.agris existing production capabilities, customers can also expect full product traceability not only for the final product but for all raw materials employed in its production.

Further advantages offered by the line include the ability to produce films of exceptional durability and strength thanks to their five layer construction as well as greater flexibility in terms of film folding. This will allow bpi.agri to manage folding so that it can avoid the formation of film weak spots.

Speaking of the new line, which will be officially unveiled in a few weeks time, John Lancaster, Commercial Director at bpi.agri, said: The multi-million investment at BPIs Ardeer site has seen many new and exciting additions and enhancements to the factory – and none more so than the new five layer wide film line. Were proud of it, of its capabilities and of its remarkable nature. Weve every confidence customers  will share this excitement once they experience some of the new and existing products it will be used to produce.

• bpi.agri is a British-based manufacturer of high-performance silage stretchwrap and lightweight, high strength silage sheeting. Its range of products includes such widely respected brand names as Silotite, Polybale, Visqueen Poliwrap and Visqueen Agri-S.

• The manufacturers Silotite product is the worlds leading balewrap. Sold in over 50 countries across six continents, it is used to wrap more than 40 million bales every year.

• Since the invention of silage balewrapping in the mid-1980s, bpi.agri has been at the forefront in developing new products for use by farmers and agricultural contractors across the globe. Highlighting this, it was the first manufacturer in the world to develop multi-layer, co-extruded silage stretch film.

• To ensure continued innovations, bpi.agri has a strong commitment to R&D and works closely with a number of key research partners including IBERS (The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences)

• bpi.agris desire to help farmers and agricultural contractors goes way beyond the production of innovative, fit for purpose products. The business also stages regular balewrapping clinics and is a founding member of the new Silage Advisory Centre (www.silageadvice.com). This recently unveiled initiative aims to offer farmers advice on maximising their forage through better grassland management and a more effective use of big baled silage.

• bpi.agri is a division of BPI (British Polythene Industries) plc, one of Europes largest manufacturers of polythene films, bags and sacks.