BW Packaging, the packaging machinery business of Barry-Wehmiller, has expanded its equipment portfolio with the introduction of the Hayssen X850 multi-jaw flow wrapper. The new machine is targeted primarily at block and sliced cheese packaging, as well as other products that demand high seal integrity at high speeds, and is positioned as an evolution of the long-established Hayssen RT platform that has been used by cheese manufacturers for nearly seven decades.
According to the company, the Hayssen X850 has been engineered to deliver high throughput while simplifying operation and maintenance. It features a patented individual ring technology combined with a quick-release jaw design, which differentiates it from conventional flow wrappers currently available on the market. BW Packaging underscores that many aspects of the new design are rooted in direct customer feedback, with a particular focus on reducing the number of operator tasks and the time spent on maintenance activities.
Design evolution from the Hayssen RT platform
The Hayssen X850 is described as building on the foundation of the earlier Hayssen RT model, a flow wrapper widely used by block and sliced cheese producers. Jim Kolmus, Vice President of Innovation at BW Packaging, stated that the new machine modernizes the operator experience in several ways, with maintenance simplification as a key priority. In practice, this is reflected in elements such as the quick-release jaw design, intended to facilitate faster interventions and changeovers, and the use of servo-driven motion to reduce mechanical wear.
The patented individual ring technology is a central feature of the X850 concept. While BW Packaging does not provide detailed technical specifications in the announcement, the company positions this technology as a differentiator that supports high-speed operation without compromising seal integrity. The multi-jaw configuration is designed to maintain extended dwell time at elevated cycle rates, a requirement for many cheese applications where robust hermetic seals are critical for product protection and shelf life.
Performance and handling of packaging materials
In terms of performance, the Hayssen X850 is specified to cycle up to 300 packs per minute, providing over 1 second of dwell time. This combination of speed and dwell time is intended to support reliable sealing for applications such as cheese, where packaging quality and consistency are essential. The machine is also designed to detect and clear product jams without stopping, which can help reduce unplanned downtime and limit operator intervention.
The film handling system is another area where BW Packaging highlights improvements. The film unwind section allows operators to fine-tune film tracking, facilitating easier film loading and adjustment during operation. This is aimed at reducing changeover time and optimizing uptime. Servo jaw control is used to manage sealing motion, with the company noting that this approach helps to minimize wear and maintenance compared to more mechanically complex alternatives.
With regard to packaging materials, the Hayssen X850 is equipped with independent temperature control, enabling it to run various types of zippers and films. BW Packaging specifies that the system is compatible with recyclable materials, aligning the machine with current trends in flexible packaging, where there is growing interest in mono-material and recyclable film structures.
Operator interface and machine intelligence
Alongside mechanical performance, BW Packaging emphasizes the integration of digital features intended to simplify daily operation. Each Hayssen X850 is supplied with RFID login and the company’s OpView HMI as standard. The RFID-based access is designed to manage operator permissions and streamline login procedures, while the advanced HMI aims to present operating data, alarms and adjustment options in a clear, user-oriented format.
Brantley Turner, Senior Product Manager at BW Packaging, noted that the X850 is designed not only for mechanical capability but also for intelligent operation. The combination of RFID login and the OpView interface is intended to support consistent machine use by different operators and to reduce the learning curve in production environments where workforce turnover and skill levels can vary.
Hygienic design for cheese manufacturing environments
The hygienic and washdown characteristics of the Hayssen X850 are specified to meet typical requirements in dairy and cheese processing plants. The machine is built on a stainless steel frame rated for IP66 washdown, enabling cleaning procedures common in food production to be carried out without compromising equipment integrity. Hygienic sloped surfaces are incorporated into the design to prevent product and water accumulation, supporting cleaning effectiveness and reducing the risk of contamination.
These design elements reflect the operational environment of cheese manufacturers, where regular and thorough washdown cycles are standard. By combining IP66 protection with geometry aimed at rapid drainage and reduced residue buildup, the X850 is intended to integrate into existing hygiene protocols without requiring significant adaptation.
Positioning within the Hayssen and BW Packaging portfolio
For multiple generations, cheese manufacturers have selected Hayssen equipment as a core element of their flexible packaging operations. Within BW Packaging’s portfolio, Hayssen is presented as a brand associated with performance, dependability and long-term support for parts, service and upgrades. The launch of the Hayssen X850 is framed as a continuation of this legacy, extending the technology base established by the RT model with updated mechanics, controls and hygiene features tailored to current production requirements.
BW Packaging indicates that the new flow wrapper is intended for producers seeking a combination of high seal integrity, elevated throughput and streamlined operation. Additional information on the Hayssen X850 and the broader range of packaging equipment solutions offered by BW Packaging is available via the company’s website.
