Pet food maker increases production with additional palletiser

With demand for high-quality cat and dog food increasing, United Petfood in the Netherlands expanded its Hoogeveen facility with a second production line, which includes a Highrunner palletiser from Qimarox.

When designing the first production line back in 2007, Qimarox already considered the potential for future expansion, so it installed the first palletiser in a “crossrunner” setup. The patented palletising solution allows both empty and full pallets to be supplied and removed via one central pallet conveyor. The result is a small-footprint palletising system that can be used for both production lines.

Qimarox was again selected as the palletiser supplier for the second production line due to the successful implementation of the first production line and the advantages of the crossrunner palletising system. As Qimarox has since transformed from a system integrator to a supplier of components for material-handling systems, Westover was suggested by Qimarox as a partner for systems integration and control.

The system was successfully integrated into the existing space without stopping the first production line.

The new production line with the Highrunner palletiser features a layer-forming and layer-depositing module, a pallet lift and a sheet dispenser (Sheetrunner). The arrangement in crossrunner formation fits well and has many features such as the patented forming solution. It is also prepared with a range of pre-programmed stacking patterns and the ability to create new stacking patterns. The result is a futureproof system that enables United Petfood to respond flexibly to ever-changing demands in the cat and dog food market.

Operational process:

Products arrive via the conveyor system at the layer-forming module where they may be turned in order to form a layer. After the layer is formed, it is transferred to the layer-deposition module where the layer is locked on four sides before being deposited on the pallet resulting in a tight pallet load. The system also offers the possibility of placing a stability sheet between the layers with a Sheetrunner during the palletising process. This process is designed to further improve the stability of the pallet.

The new line now operates continuously, providing good production flexibility without the need for downtime during a production changeover. This has doubled capacity and improved efficiency.

“The cooperation with Qimarox and Westover was very positive. They provided thoughtful, flexible and pragmatic solutions,” said Linda Frens, Manager Operations at United Petfood Nederland Alu B.V.

Top image credit: iStock.com/anastas_