EMMELOORD – When is automation a viable option, and where are opportunities for improvement within an existing packaging or palletizing line? With StackCheck, Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions aims to help companies in sectors such as the fresh produce and agricultural industries answer these questions. During a one hour free session, the current palletizing process is examined in detail to identify opportunities for improvement and automation.
Labor shortages, rising labor costs, and the need for greater capacity mean that automation is on the agenda for an increasing number of growers, packers, and packing stations. At the same time, this does not automatically mean that investing in a new machine is always the right next step. With the StackCheck, Verbruggen therefore aims to first assess the existing situation together with the customer.
“Companies often know very well what challenges they face in their day-to-day operations, but it’s harder to determine which technical solution best addresses those challenges. With the StackCheck, we want to make that step easier and first identify where the greatest gains can be achieved,” says Tom Rosier, Commercial Director at Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions.
From the current situation to specific areas for improvement
During the StackCheck, a Verbruggen specialist reviews the current palletizing situation or demand. This review may examine factors such as capacity, staffing, product flows, reliability, and potential bottlenecks in the process.
Based on this analysis, potential improvements are discussed. These may include further automation or adjustments to the existing process. Tom Rosier continues: “The starting point is not that a new palletizer is necessarily required after such a discussion. Sometimes a process can be reorganized, or it may turn out that automation only becomes viable at higher volumes. That, too, is valuable information.”
The StackCheck takes about an hour and can be conducted online or on-site. Photos, videos, or drawings of the current situation can be shared in advance. This way the specialist is fully prepared, specifically for each session.
Automation becoming increasingly important in the fresh produce industry
For companies that process or pack potatoes, onions, carrots, fruit, and other fresh produce, the end of the production line is playing an increasingly important role. Repetitive tasks in particular, such as placing bags, packaging, and palletizing, require a relatively high amount of manual labor.
Verbruggen therefore focuses not only on palletizing itself, but increasingly on the entire end-of-line process. The StackCheck is designed to help companies identify where the greatest opportunities lie within that process first.
Tom explains, “Ultimately, it’s not about automating as much as possible, but about automating in the areas where it actually makes a difference. That could mean labor savings, but also increased capacity, more consistent production, or simply a smoother process.”
The StackCheck can be requested free of charge and with no further obligation via the Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions website.
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