IDM | Packaging
New pack design and
automated processes
Norrmejerier uses a packaging line that was designed by an international project group, which received input throughout the project
30 · 9 2017 | international-dairy.com
Norrmejerier
With a new product design, a consumer
friendly packaging and new pack
sizes, Norrmejerier has further consolidated
its position in the cheese
market. The use of more robots and thermoforming
packaging machines, instead of
pouch packaging solutions, are just two of
the innovations in Norrmejerier’s new factory
in Umeå, Sweden, where cheese blocks
are portioned, and the product is then
packed in primary and secondary packaging.
The new packaging system over an area
of approx. 2,300 m² with an output of up
to 9,000 tons per year in the Umeå factory
comprises three lines for processing
cheese blocks, as well as a line for manufacturing
grated products.
After thorough project planning, before
the line was put into service, the top speed
of the packaging line has been almost doubled,
now amounting to just over 60 packs
per minute on the 750-gram line.
The old system was pretty worn out, a new
packaging line with cutting-edge technology
was the only way for Norrmejerier to increase
output, cut lead times, minimise wastage,
optimise work environment and regain
control of the entire production process. In
total, the company invested approximately
SEK 200 million in the project. Which has an
estimated that amortization of six years.
Modern operating concept
The new packaging line was designed by an
international project group, which received
input throughout the project from twelve
different suppliers. The output capability
of the system is impressive. It takes only approx.
10 minutes for a cheese block, which
can weigh up to 18 kg, to be completely cut
up and packed. The product runs through
the following stations: cutting, weighing,
3D scanning, loading into the pack cavities,
quality inspection, sealing the pack, labelling,
outer packaging and palletising.
The handling processes are performed by
more than twenty robots, which ensure a
high level of precision. Thanks to automation,
the number of operators on the line has been
significantly reduced. Today the system can be
operated by just twenty people. Due to further
improvements on the line, operation is due to
be switched from treble shift to double shift.
New design, new packaging
A number of efficient product solutions
have been integrated into the new system.
from twelve different suppliers (photo: Multivac)