A firm in Harwich has helped a New Zealand dairy manufacturer to set up a new consumer packaging plant.

PLF International, which specialises in vacuum powder filling technology, has custom-made machinery which provides gentle product handling when packing using cans, composites or plastic.

Dairy firm Synlait is aiming to be the supplier of choice to the world’s leading milk-based health and nutrition companies.

PLF worked with partners in New Zealand - RELCO and Powder Projects Ltd - to install the plant and says it has won high praise.

PLF International sales director Ian Hillaby said: “Managing the successful go-live status of Synlait’s packaging facility in New Zealand from the UK was bolstered by the invaluable local assistance of our partners.

“We were always confident in the technology’s ability to meet the stringent operational, hygiene and quality-control needs of Synlait, but the professional, carefully-managed installation process would have been so much more difficult without their help and local knowledge.

“We are delighted that another PLF International filling system is ‘live’, and attracting such flattering comments.”