Automate a packaging line for prepared meals

Situation

Our client, a highly recognized meat processor in the United States and around the world, has a production line that is essentially manual between tray packing and palletizing. He seeks to automate it to speed up the production process.

 

Storcan Solution

Our solution with 2 lines was designed to minimize operator handling and automate production. We intervene at the very beginning of the production process; we retrieve trays of meat-based ready meal (from 1 to 3 lb) and transport them to the packaging, labeling and palletizing stages at a rate of 50 trays per minute per line.

To achieve this, we have installed:

• 8” wide Mat top conveyors with Roller Top belt for the accumulation sections,
• 8” wide Mat top conveyors with Flush Grid belt for non-accumulation sections,
• 16” wide Mat top conveyors with curved sections for infeed conveyors,
• 22” wide Mat top conveyors with Flat top belt for line exit conveyors,
• 28” wide Mat top conveyors with Flat top belt for side changing convergent conveyors,
• Diversion conveyor to direct the product towards the labeling machine or the overpack,
• A system of sensors to allow the product to be oriented towards the right line.

Our entire system is made of stainless steel, making it totally washable and sanitary.

Our solution also includes controls and programming in addition to the installation of equipment.

The client's objective was to automate its production line; reducing product handling and the risk of product contamination, resulting in a more ergonomic and safer line.