At Euroshop 2008, Avery Berkel will launch the IM range of counter service scales, designed specifically to deliver the core functionality requested by many European retailers, combined with innovative styling and high reliability.

Also showcased on stand number 6E76, Hall 06 is Avery Berkel’s ‘100% fresh’ range, a complete portfolio of fresh food solutions, including the new WA series weigh-wrap-labeller, counter service, checkout and scanner scales and management and system integration software. In addition, experts will be on hand throughout the show to discuss the implications of the new GS1 Databar format barcode standard and the positive impact of the company’s new ownership, following its sale to ITW Inc in September 2007.

IM is a robust, aesthetic counter scale range that is simple to install, connect and use. Yet this simplicity is not at the expense of functionality as Greg Astill, product manager comments. “Data is at the heart of every retail business and combining these scales with our software helps keep owners on track and ahead of the competition.”

Five models are available in the new range to fit any counter arrangement, including a compact hanging scale. Each has a very small footprint and an eye-catching design that complements modern shop layouts. The counter scales also have point-of-sale and checkout functionality and can be combined with a cash drawer for an integrated weighing and checkout solution.

Also featured for the first time at Euroshop is Avery Berkel’s range of fully integrated weigh-wrap-label solutions, called the WA series. Thanks to its unique camera-based pack recognition system and single point of control, retailers can cut in-store packing time by up to 30%, meaning that one operator can pack up to 35 packs per minute in a space of just one square metre.

Wrapping film costs are reduced by 25% by using two rolls, with the machine automatically switching between them depending on the pack size and its shape, with no loss of throughput speed. Optimising the film stretch, so there are no wrinkles or distorted packs due to overstretching, improves presentation and customer appeal.

The company will also showcase the latest developments in its market-leading M series system scale and the new electronic counter-labelling applications based around the MP touch screen scales.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the stand to discuss how they can profit from a major change to in-store bar coding standards which is due to come into effect within the next few years. The new GS1 Databar format enables extended pack data to be encoded on each counter label. Validating and processing this information at the point of sale allows retailers to verify sell by dates, reduce waste and compare profitability by supplier and as well as enabling vendor-managed inventory.

Editor’s Note
On 18th September, Chicago-based Illinois Tool Works (ITW) purchased Avery Berkel, the retail weighing division of Avery Weigh-Tronix, impressed by its strong global brand reputation, high European market share and exciting growth plans, which have already seen the business increase by 15% in the last two years.

For over 200 years, the company has supplied a broad range of weighing equipment to meet the demands of both the industrial and retail sectors. Now, with the separation of the two businesses, Avery Berkel has become a dedicated retail solutions company, focused solely on developing fresh food weighing systems, software and services for its core retail customers worldwide.

The new company will trade as Avery Berkel and operate from its existing manufacturing base in Birmingham, UK, with further manufacturing facilities in the Far East. The business will employ around 300 people in the UK and a further 150 worldwide.

For further information please contact:
Claire Blakemore, Avery Berkel, Foundry Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands, B67 9DF
Telephone +44 (0) 870 903 2000
Fax +44 (0)870 904 2223
Email cblakemore@averyberkel.com
or visit the company’s website www.averyberkel.com

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For further editorial information please contact:
Jane Woods/David Spencer, Edson Evers LLP
The Hollies, 120 Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1BY
Telephone 01785 2555146
Email jane@edsonevers.com