1. About North Star Coffee Roasters
North Star Coffee Roasters Limited is a speciality coffee roastery based in Armley, Leeds. We supply ethically and sustainably sourced coffee primarily to B2B customers, alongside a growing direct-to-consumer offer. Continued growth has led to recent investment in additional roasting capacity; however, our current constraint now sits within the packing operation. This tender relates to equipment required to remove that bottleneck and support higher throughput, improved consistency and long-term scalability.
2. Scope of Requirement
North Star Coffee Roasters is seeking tenders for the supply, installation, commissioning and training of an automated or semi-automated coffee packing line, suitable for roasted whole-bean coffee.
The solution must significantly improve packing speed, consistency and traceability compared to our current semi-manual processes.
3. Equipment Requirements (Indicative Specification)
Suppliers are invited to propose solutions that meet or exceed the following functional requirements:
a) Vacuum Loading System
-
Suitable for roasted coffee beans
-
Throughput capacity of approximately 500kg per hour (or better)
-
Food-grade, stainless steel construction
-
Shock-free product handling to protect bean integrity
-
Antistatic and food-safe transfer systems
b) Automated Weighing System
-
Multi-head or equivalent weighing system suitable for coffee beans
-
Typical pack weights ranging from 50g to 2kg
-
High accuracy suitable for retail and wholesale packaging
-
Touchscreen or digital control interface
-
Designed for continuous operation in a production environment
c) Framework and Integration
-
Suitable framework/stand to support weighing and loading systems
-
Designed to integrate cleanly with downstream sealing equipment
-
Compact footprint where possible
d) Automated Sealing System
-
Continuous band or equivalent heat sealing solution
-
Suitable for coffee bags, including handled bags
-
Integrated or compatible batch coding / date marking (laser or equivalent preferred)
-
Food-grade stainless steel construction
-
Adjustable speed and temperature controls
-
Integrated conveyor suitable for filled coffee bags
4. Installation, Commissioning and Training
The tender should include:
-
Delivery to our Armley, Leeds site
-
Full installation and commissioning
-
Operator training for relevant staff
-
Documentation covering operation, maintenance and safety
5. Supplier Information Required
Tender submissions should include:
-
Description of the proposed solution and how it meets the specification
-
Technical specifications and throughput capabilities
-
Outline layout or system configuration
-
Installation and lead times
-
After-sales support, servicing and warranty details
-
Relevant experience supplying similar equipment to food or coffee producers
-
Confirmation of CE compliance and relevant food safety standard
6. Procurement Context
-
North Star Coffee Roasters is undertaking an open and transparent procurement process. Suppliers should note that we are seeking best overall value, considering technical suitability, reliability, support and scalability, not solely cost.
7. Key Dates
-
Tender issue date: 19th January 2026
-
Tender deadline: 2 February 2026
-
Clarification questions deadline: To be submitted by email no later than 26 January 2026
-
Anticipated decision date: February 2026
8. Submission Details
-
All tender responses and clarification questions should be submitted by email to:
-
Alexander Kragiopoulos
📧 krag@northstarroast.com
9. Additional Notes
-
North Star Coffee Roasters reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any tender and may seek clarification or further information from suppliers as part of the evaluation process.
10. SCORING CRITERIA
|
Section |
Criterion |
Scoring (1-5) |
|
PERSONNEL |
Relevant experience with food / coffee packing equipment |
|
|
Availability for installation & commissioning |
||
|
Engineer location / ability to provide on-site support |
||
|
MANAGEMENT |
Project & installation management approach |
|
|
Management of subcontractors (if applicable) |
||
|
Delivery & programme control |
||
|
Experience delivering similar scale projects |
||
|
SUPPORT & AFTERCARE |
Ongoing technical support (UK / North of England) |
|
|
Training provision & operator documentation |
||
|
Availability for on-site visits & call-outs |
||
|
Service response times / SLA |
||
|
SOLUTION |
Technical suitability for coffee packing |
|
|
Throughput capacity & scalability |
||
|
Integration between weighing, loading & sealing |
||
|
Food safety & hygiene design |
||
|
Build quality & robustness |
||
|
COST & VALUE |
Overall value for money |
|
|
Technical acceptability versus cost |
||
|
Transparency & reasonableness of costs |
||
|
RISK |
Risk of non-performance or delays |
|
|
Health & safety compliance |
||
|
Environmental & waste considerations |
||
|
PAST PERFORMANCE |
Relevant references / past performance |
