Food & Drink Corner-shops retailers such as the Co-op use large sacks as a way to contain and display bulky items
The
automation heavy weights
Increasing numbers of industry wide manufacturers are automating their packing facilities as they strive to enhance their competitive edge. This includes a growing number of bulk handlers involved in the supply and distribution of sand and aggregates, wholesale foods and agricultural produce.
B
ulk packers considering making the switch to automation can raise many questions, from legislative to bag stability and presentation. Packing system specialist Pacepacker Systems is no stranger to advising bulk manufacturers on the best way to introduce a new bagging system. The company’s innovative Total Bag Control system (TBC) makes up 98% of their bag closing systems sales from this industry alone. “The ability to withstand often harsh environments, produce a consistent pack presentation, accommodate differing pack sizes and overcome wastage when bagging high quantities, are just some of the issues we help bulk manufacturers to address,” explains Paul Wilkinson, business development manager at Pacepacker. “Constricting health and safety regulations and the need to relieve employees of onerous, laborious tasks is the driving force behind automation in the bulk sector.” The application of automation is an essential ingredient in the sustainability of manufacturing businesses, reinforces Mike Wilson, Chairman
14 March 2014 Solids and Bulk Handling
of the British Automation & Robot Association (BARA). “Automating manufacturing processes not only drives costs down; it improves quality, reduces waste and optimises energy use,” highlights Mike. “In a relatively high cost economy, such as the UK, automation will consequently increase a manufacturer’s competitive edge.” Today’s systems are designed to tolerate the most abrasive of environments. Robust equipment, like Pacepacker’s Total Bag Control system, can even be built within a portable container, providing bulk manufacturers with multiple packing locations a single turnkey solution that can be easily transported around an estate.
TIPS FOR AUTOMATION ROOKIES
When selecting and implementing a new bagging system, Paul flags three critical factors to consider upfront: 1. Equipment compatibility - check that any equipment feeding the new packing system, and any other equipment integrated or affected by it, is suitably
www.solidsandbulk.co.uk
Pacepacker’s Total Bag Control (TBC) sack closing system, allows bulk manufacturers to gain the benefits of a fully automated turnkey system
compatible. The overall line speed is determined by the slowest element; concerns should not be limited to the weigher alone. For example a weigher and sack placer may be able to operate at 10 sacks per minute, but if the exit conveyor can only transport 8 bags per minute, it will hinder the entire system.
2. Adherence to regulations - sacks and bags destined for resale are subject to Weights and Measures Legislation. Whichever way you look at it, inaccurate bag weight is detrimental to business; aside from underweight bags being illegal, overweight bags will directly hit your bottom line. The impact on revenue can quickly mount up. Imagine a weighing system that averages 10 bags a minute, operating eight-hours a day, 250 days a year, overfilling bags by an average of 15 grams. This equates to >>>
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