Upstream Innovation
The Client & Objective
One of the leading global suppliers of crop science and agricultural chemicals needed to completely automate the end-of-line packaging process for one of their high volume product lines.
The Challenge
The budget, timeline and space in the factory were all limited for this project and no other supplier was able to develop a cost-effective solution that could be installed in time and in the space allotted.
The Solution
By out-hustling and out-engineering our competition, MMCI completely automated the end-of-line packaging process overcoming all of the challenges. We started by analyzing existing production lines, packaging processes, line speeds, and package sizes.
Ultimately, we concluded that by combining two manually-operated palletizing lines into one fully automated line, our system could pick and place two different sized cases onto two different sized pallets simultaneously - palletizing more quickly while freeing up floor space and labor for other activity.
By automating the upstream process and orienting cases for the robot, we were able to use one robotic palletizer instead of two - greatly reducing the cost as well as the lead-time and space required.
- Standard accumulation conveyors feed sealed cases directly from the bottling lines into the palletizing cell.
- Motorized Drive Roller conveyors rotate the cases and optimize their orientation for picking.
- Pick Conveyors with integrated stoppers stage two cases at a time to the end of the infeed line.
To ensure success, we tested the client’s exact cases and products in our facility so they could perform their own Factory Acceptance Test and see exactly how the system would perform prior to shipment and installation.
The Results
Our turnkey solution for their largest formulation and packaging facility in North America not only showcased our ingenuity and engineering expertise, but our ability to work as a sole-supplier for every phase of the development, integration, and installation process significantly lowered the complexity and overall costs of the project.
Because of the overwhelming success of this initial proposal, and MMCI’s passionate commitment to providing turnkey solutions from start to finish, the client then decided to invest in their partnership on a much larger scale, completely overhauling four different production lines and relocating them to another building.
How Can We Help?
At any stage of your automation project, we can help.
Call us at 314-438-3300 or fill out the form below.