Estrella

Estella is a manufacturer of crisps in need of packaging to reach the market. The production environment is tight and refilling the packaging machine with packaging material is difficult. 

The challenge:

The rolls, weighing 35 kg and measuring 400 - 470mm in length with a 76 mm core, had to be lifted from a pallet and placed onto the machine's axle, which varied in mounting heights from 300 - 1400 mm. The space around the axles was restricted, with height constraints complicating the use of lifting tools.

The solution:

The issue addressed was the adaptation of a lifting tool to refill the packaging machine safely, ergonomically, and efficiently within the confined space. The chosen solution was the Lift&Drive 130P, notable for its compact design ideal for navigating tight areas and its additional lifting speed coupled with stepless control for precise roll placement. The trolley featured a custom Squeeze&Turn attachment, enabling the operator to pick up rolls from the pallet, rotate them 90 degrees, and insert them into the machine's narrow refill slot.

Benefits:

Estrella received a tailored solution that seamlessly integrated into their compact production setting, allowing for the safe and efficient loading of their packaging machine, minimizing the risk of injury to staff and damage to the machine and materials. The versatility of the Lift&Drive also allowed for handling various rolls and packaging machines with a single material handling solution.