Food Packaging Machines for the Ready-To-Eat Meals Industry

Drive Your RTE Business Forward with Smart Packaging Solutions

The ready-to-eat (RTE) meals industry is experiencing historic growth as consumers increasingly value convenience without sacrificing quality.

But for food manufacturers and processors, meeting this demand involves overcoming significant challenges—ensuring precise packaging, extending shelf life, and maintaining product quality, all while optimizing production efficiency.

Enter food packaging machines—the technological backbone of the RTE meals industry. These machines allow food companies to streamline operations, ensure safety compliance, and achieve visually appealing packaging that stands out on store shelves.

If you’re a food manufacturer, processor, or small business owner looking to elevate your production line, this guide will help you explore the capabilities, types, and benefits of food packaging machines tailored to the ready-to-eat meals sector.

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RTE Meal Packaging: woman taking microwave meal with plastic seal on top out of microwave

Since so many consumers are short on time, food service companies are stepping up with healthy, ready-to-eat meal options.

These meals, either fresh or frozen, can be purchased in-store or delivered straight to your door. They provide the nutrition, variety, and quality of a home-cooked meal—without the hassle of daily cooking. The packaging for these meals is designed to ensure safety and freshness, with careful sealing to block contaminants. Plus, they’re conveniently packaged in microwave- or oven-safe containers for quick and easy reheating.

Applications of Our RTE Meal Packaging Machines

Our machines are designed to serve a wide array of food packaging needs for the Ready Made Meals Industry. Here are just some of the applications we specialize in:

Ready To Eat Meals

  • Meal Delivery Services
  • Microwavable Meals
  • Prepared Meals/Meal Kits
  • Frozen Dinners/Healthy TV Dinners
  • Meats, Produce, Dairy, Vegetables
  • Grains, Pasta, Salads, Snacks, Desserts
  • Meals-On-Wheels
  • Oven-Ready Meals 

Dietary Concerns and Lifestyles:

  • Dairy-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Halal
  • High-protein
  • Keto
  • Kosher
  • Nut-free
  • Paleo
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Types Of Packaging

  • Plastic Trays With Film Seal
  • Cups, Cans, Jars
  • Rigid Packaging
  • Clamshell
  • Sustainable Packaging: Compostable trays, high-barrier trays, microwave-safe food containers.

Why Choose Rocket Machine Works for Food Packaging Machines?

  • Custom-Built Performance: Every machine we produce is customized to your product and operational needs.
  • Service You Can Trust: We’ll build your machine from scratch, deliver it, install it, and train your employees how to use it. For over 30 years, we’ve served and supported American businesses, and we’re here to stay.
  • Eliminate Downtime: Each machine is PLC controlled and has remote access technology. Issues can be diagnosed and fixed remotely – no need to wait for a service technician to come to your site.
  • High-Speed Machines: Our machines can fill and seal up to 300 containers per minute. Denester machines can pick up to 240 containers per minute. Adding a second machine will double the output.
  • Easy To Clean: Stainless Steel construction with direct wash down components to help keep food production equipment safe and sanitized.
  • Durable and High-Quality Construction: Ensure consistent and accurate packaging every time. Designed for long-term performance in demanding production environments.
  • Versatility Across Applications: From simple products like baby food to complex ready-made meal packaging, our machines handle a wide range of applications.
  • Industry Compliance: Each machine is designed to meet or exceed FDA, NSF and USDA standards.

Trusted By Large Corporations & Small Family Farms Alike

We’re trusted by leading food manufacturers to deliver cutting-edge packaging systems. And our machines are very affordable, so small, family owned farms can scale production at their own pace.

  • Hello Fresh
  • Juicy Gems, Sunny Gems, Pomegranate seed filling machines
  • Bobby Salazar’s Salsa
  • Simply Fresh Salads

Explore Our Food Packaging MachinesFood Filling MachinesTray Sealing MachinesTray Filler & Sealer Packaging MachinesRigid Packaging MachinesLidding / Capping Packaging Machines

Rocket Machine Works offers a comprehensive range of packaging machines to suit various production lines and product types. Each machine is engineered to enhance your packaging process while maintaining product integrity and quality. Explore our solutions below:
Rotary Filling Machines

Efficient and accurate filling from liquid to semi-viscous products such as yogurt, sauces, and soups. Some models are capable of multiple fillers. Perfect for high-volume production lines.

Tray Sealing Machines

Seal pre-formed trays with precision for products like prepared meals and desserts. Options for automated filling and denesting.

Add-On Machines

Versatile, Standalone machines for filling, sealing, overcapping, and accumulation, that can easily integrate into existing production lines.

Accumulating Tables

Streamline your production flow with our accumulating tables, designed to collect and organize packaged goods for further processing or distribution.

Conveyors

Keep your production line moving efficiently from point A to point B--whether its straight, serpentine, or something in between--with our customizable conveyor systems. Built for utility, washdown-ready, and customizable with add-ons.

In-Line Sealing Machines

Built for high-volume production and multi-shift durability, these sealing machines specialize in cups and work perfectly for dips, yogurt, and salads. Available in 1 to 8 lanes.

Benefits of Partnering with Rocket Machine Works

When you succeed, we succeed.
  1. Increase Production Efficiency: Maximize production output while minimizing downtime. We provide a durable, efficient solution when you need solid production without compromising floor space.
  2. Flexibility For Growth: Adaptable machines that grow with your business. Start with only what you need and scale up as needed. Lower labor costs mean you can grow faster.
  3. Service & Support: Comprehensive customer service, from initial design to ongoing maintenance.
  4. Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging options to meet modern consumer demands.
  5. High Value at an Affordable Price: No matter what size your packaging project is, our mission is to provide you with quality custom machinery at a fair and affordable price.
  6. Made in Central California: Rocket Machine Works is a full service manufacturing facility located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. All of our machines are engineered, manufactured, and assembled in-house and meet FDA, NSF, and USDA standards.

Ready To Scale your RTE Meals Business? Contact Rocket Machine Works Today

Investing in high-quality food packaging machines is not just about meeting today’s consumer demand—it’s about future-proofing your business. With the right machines, you can streamline your operations, boost product appeal, and maintain the highest standards of safety and freshness.

Are you ready to enhance your production line? Contact a reliable food packaging machine supplier today to explore customized solutions for your RTE meals business.

Contact Rocket Machine Works Today

Ready to take your food packaging operations to the next level? Contact Rocket Machine Works for a consultation and see how our custom-built food packaging machines can transform your production line.
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