ASIA – Packaging solutions provider, SIG has opened a new, state-of-the-art technology center to provide customers with new product concepts and market-ready packaging solutions in Asia-Pacific.

Located close to its packaging plant in Suzhou in China, the facility will provide expertise in development and implementation of cutting-edge innovations in aseptic systems and solutions.

The 17,500 square meter building will host a team of SIG experts with a mandate to develop and manufacture filling technology, conduct filling tests for customers and offer training.

It will focus on product innovation and differentiation, fitting in perfectly with SIG’s Value Proposition, which aims to create added value for customers and consumers alike.

The technology center features state-of-the-art test and training centre, with the latest filling machines, upstream food processing equipment and UHT systems, which can process products with a wide range of viscosities and pieces.

According to SIG, the training centre is its second largest worldwide and is suited to both internal and external technical training on aseptic filling machines and downstream lines.

The Tech Centre also hosts SIG’s Asian filler and applicator assembly operation and two Global Technology departments: Research & Development and Engineering & Application.

“Asia is a vital market for SIG and our new Tech Centre will ensure our customers can realize opportunities much faster, working with our expert team to choose the right product and packaging concept to meet consumer demand and grow their business.

At our new Tech Centre, we can expedite packaging solution development for our customers and carry out test fillings on a weekly basis, to ensure products are launched to market more quickly than ever before.

Providing the best technical expertise will deliver end to end solutions in a timely manner required to gain competitive advantage,” said Rolf Stangl, CEO at SIG.

The development will see SIG work closely with customers and offer professional support on aseptic filling tests and product concepts.

The company said the facility has the highest standard as a green building and SIG is only the ninth industrial company with onsite manufacturing in China to earn the LEED Platinum standard with a total of 83 points – the second highest score in the entire country.