72 | Upgraded premises a boon One significant upgrade has already been completed on line one, the retail tubbing line for margarine spreads. Bakels Edible Oils T T Karen Phelps PRODUCTION A packing hall upgrade at the Bakels Edible Oils New Zealand facility will enhance production efficiency and workplace safety, says company managing director Antony Moess. The project, set to be commissioned by the end of February 2025, represents a significant investment in automation and technological advancement. “We are expanding the building’s footprint by around 300 square metres, installing two palletising robots and an automated bag inserter and sealer. The upgrade will increase the facility’s size by approximately one-third, responding to growing demand,” Antony says. The main improvements centre on the packing lines where advanced robotics will dramatically reduce manual handling. “This will be better for staff health and safety and means we can utilise our staff for value-added tasks,” says Antony. The new system will feature a sophisticated palletising process. An empty pallet will shuttle down to two robots, each capable of stacking two lines. The facility will now support four packing lines of different products, with the robots stacking on to four stations. These will then be automatically conveyed to a stretch-wrapping unit and presented for warehouse storage. One significant upgrade has already been completed on line one, the retail tubbing line for margarine spreads. The line now runs at 6700 tubs per hour, producing a carton of 24 tubs every 12 seconds. In a significant market development, the company will soon supply over 90% of New Zealand’s margarine spreads, having secured contracts with all four main brand owners. “This new business will more than double the throughput, necessitating a faster line,” says Antony. The company’s engineering team designed and built the new conveyors in-house. “Our engineering team has done a fantastic job of bringing it all together,”says Antony. The project has been a collaborative effort with local businesses. Fransen Developments, Jensen Steel Fabricators and Off The Wall Construction have all contributed to the upgrade. The local contractors used innovative techniques, including high-strength, fast-curing concrete for the main driveway, which allowed truck access just 72 hours after laying. Bakels Edible Oils New Zealand also worked closely with local council on the project with installation of additional stormwater retention as part of the project. Proudly supporting Bakels Edible Oils NZ Engineered Solutions - Designing for the Future +64 21 910 603 info@thermalprocess.nz www.thermalprocess.nz 09 834 2700 sales@phsinnovate.com www.phsinnovate.com Innovative Automated Material Handling Solutions. Proudly supporting Bakel’s Edible Oils NZ Ltd * Industrial Electrical Installation * 24 hour call out service * General electrical plant maintenance * Installation of automation equipment and instrumentation Get in touch with us 021525929
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