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Next-generation machinery is transforming confectionery production, blending automation with sustainability to meet the demands of a modern market. Kiran Grewal reports.
Confectionery
KennedysConfection.com Kennedy’s Confection December/January 2024/25 37
cross Europe, manufacturers are embracing next- generation machinery that is transforming how sweet treats are made, packaged, and delivered.
From the historic streets of Bologna, where Dino Corsini has automated its operations with groundbreaking Agriflex systems, to the state- of-the-art facilities of ULMA Packaging and Schubert, these innovations are setting new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. This is the story of how cutting-edge technology is reshaping an age-old craft— bringing the confectionery industry into a bold, exciting future.
In the heart of Bologna, Italy, Dino Corsini, a renowned confectionery producer, has taken a bold step into the future of manufacturing. At the centre of this transformation is cutting-edge technology from Agriflex, a leader in next-generation confectionery machinery. This collaboration has not only automated Dino Corsini’s production processes but also redefined efficiency and sustainability in the industry. At the core of the upgraded facility is a highly customised system designed to streamline ingredient handling. Raw materials such as sugar and flour are directed into silos via an external loading system, while oil is stored in specialised tanks. The plant is equipped to manage a variety of macro, midi, and micro ingredients, both in powder and liquid forms, integrating them seamlessly into the production line. For Dino Corsini’s CEO, Jacopo Malacarne, the move to automation was driven by a pressing need to replace labor-intensive
manual feeding processes. “Apart from sugar, flour, and oil, everything else was manually fed,” Jacopo explains. Over the past two to three years, the company has progressively adopted Agriflex solutions, achieving a 90% automation rate in the feeding process. The results speak for themselves: increased production volumes, greater capacity, and improved operational efficiency. The benefits of automation extend beyond efficiency. Agriflex’s machinery provides unparalleled visibility into the production process, offering real-time data on ingredient weights, silo capacities, and residue levels. The equipment also enables thorough cleaning of feeding systems, from large silos to smaller ones, even between production cycles. This ensures a hygienic and seamless transition between batches, meeting the stringent standards of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 frameworks. The technology has also transformed how Dino Corsini manages disruptions. From identifying non-compliant raw material batches to addressing interruptions, the system allows for rapid analysis and resolution. Depending on the issue, missing ingredients can be manually integrated or the process adjusted automatically, ensuring minimal downtime and consistent quality. This partnership with Agriflex has also helped Dino Corsini meet the demands of its large private label clients, including major wholesale retailers and global manufacturers. Automation has reduced the dependency on labor—a critical factor in today’s challenging hiring environment. By minimising the impact of absenteeism, onboarding time, and workforce management, Dino Corsini has been able to scale up production while maintaining reliability.
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