"This is a truly unique and innovative machine at an exceptional price," said Edward Murphy, managing director of Minipack Torre's UK agent Record Packaging.

The 1,499 Galileo has sealing area of 567x567mm and can handle pack sizes up to 380x500x180mm.

It uses a sealing bar with inbuilt shock absorbers, giving the hood "perfect alignment". A system of magnets hold the hood in place  during sealing, which according to the firm, requires no manual pressure and therefore causes less mechanical stress and reduces operator fatigue.

The sealing chamber's product plate has two adjustable positions and plastic spacers to lift square products and eliminate "sealing stripes". The Galileo also comes with the option of a 60 programme micro-perforation system.

The unit is constructed from a highly durable polymer, which, while maintaining thermal insulation and reliability, reduces production costs.

Manchester-based Record took delivery of the first five units of the Galileo last week and has already secured the first sales. "There's only one left out of that consignment," said Record's Minipack Torre sales manager Richard Knott.

"We believe these machines will steal a march in the UK," added Murphy.