A new solar powered ventilation system launched by Solatube promises to eradicate dank, stale air from mobile hen houses.

Simple to fit, maintenance-free and cost-effective, Solar Star’s small, solar panel supplies power to a highly efficient motor that draws over 360 litres of air a second out of buildings, making it the most effective system of its type, according to the company.

It adds that because it is entirely solar powered, there are no operating costs so both energy use and bills are reduced. Prices for Solar Star start at £325+VAT per unit.

• Solatube UK
• Tel: 0845 4580 101
• Sola Lighting website

Are you a small poultry processor with space at a premium in your packing plant? Why not consider a new compact design tray sealer which retains the benefits of larger units.

Ulma Packaging’s newly launched Taurus 300 entry-level tray sealer is ideally suited for ready meal producers and meat packers switching from manual to fully automatic packaging.

While being compact, the robustly engineered machine offers the same flexibility and reliability that have become the trademarks of other units in its product range.

The hygienically designed Taurus 300 is suitable for medium production runs and offers a maximum sealing area of 30cm x 40cm (about 12 x 16in). It features a removable infeed conveyor with rod bars to centre and push the trays, and a pneumatic die lifting system for quick and easy changeover for reduced maintenance and trouble-free operations.

• Ulma Packaging
• Tel: 01909 506 504
• Ulma Packaging website

A new service aims to offer a rapid refuelling service for backup generators, ensuring that poultry units and processing plants can continue operating during lengthy power cuts.

The nationwide service by Merlin Power Management is in response to customer requests for a contracted service, which will guarantee the refill of fuel tanks within a designated time period.

Merlin will guarantee to deliver diesel fuel within 6, 12 or 24 hours at any time of the day or night, depending on the type of contract purchased. Customers will pay a fixed annual contract fee plus charges for delivery and the fuel, says the company.

Refuelling contracts ensure that generators and other key equipment at major facilities can run indefinitely, even during extended outages. They are particularly necessary for poultry units, which rely on power to keep birds cool in summer.

This new service is in addition to existing services, which include service and maintenance of generators and generator rental. The company also provides load bank testing, power analysis and consultancy.

• Merlin Power Management
• Tel: 08700 623 349
• Email Merlin Power