“We already had six palletisers with a pallet dispenser that can offer three different types of pallets. In order to produce more pallets per hour, we planned to install a seventh packaging machine in the same space. To keep the production stoppage as short as possible, it was necessary to work in phases. That’s why, in the first phase, the existing pallet dispenser was moved and a lift was installed. This had to be done in a time span of just two days so that production for those six machines could restart. Then, in phase two, the seventh palletiser was built. Finally, in phase three, two additional pallet dispensers with pallet control were installed between the third and fourth palletisers to cope with the additional packaging capacity.”

“Cardboard boxes containing bags of potato products are transported at a height in the factory to the palletiser department. While the boxes are being arranged into the first layer in the Qimarox palletiser, an empty pallet is lifted into position. Once a layer is ready, the machine essentially opens up, and the layer of boxes is placed on the pallet. This process continues until a complete tower has been built on the pallet. For the stability of the load, we provide a slip sheet every two to three layers. The stacked pallet is then wrapped and sent to the storage company, also on conveyors supplied by Fraxinus.”

“Our production runs 24/7, so the palletisers are never idle. However, for this phase we had to stop production, which was a big challenge. We aimed to wrap up the relocation in the shortest possible timeframe, as in our industry, where demand outstrips supply, a production halt is simply not an option. Good preparation was therefore crucial to keep downtime to a minimum. If necessary, we were willing to take drastic action: and so when it emerged that we would save +/- 6 hours if we brought the lift in via the roof with a second crane, we didn't hesitate for a minute.”

“It's very convenient that switching can be done remotely. We can access the installation software via a network connection and intervene remotely. The cameras that are fitted on the equipment itself are particularly useful, so that we can see if anything is going wrong. That really adds value, because it allows us to find a solution much faster.”

“We had the first discussions in January and by the end of May we had already started the first phase of the relocation of the pallet dispenser and the construction of the lift. Phase two then took about two weeks, from the construction of the packaging machine to the finishing and testing of the software, the stacking patterns and the stability of the pallets. In October, the additional double pallet dispenser was integrated. There was no alternative: at the same time as this project, the production capacity of one of our production lines was substantially increased, resulting in a higher influx of boxes for palletising. We wouldn’t have been able to handle this with the three existing pallet dispensers, so we really needed those two extra ones.”

“From adjusting sprinkler pipes and lighting to installing ladders and relocating stairs: many companies had to be in sync. To achieve this we provided a master plan with fixed reference points, to keep it as clear as possible for everyone. The timing was very strict for all parties, but it worked out thanks to a good dose of pragmatism and a can-do attitude from all partners.”

“The invoices, those stay with me! (laughs) All joking aside, I can still vividly picture Ruben from Engico (Fraxinus' regular partner) sitting for hours in the cold warehouse, a blanket on his lap, tirelessly programming the software. That image sums up good cooperation, based on a no-nonsense and flexible approach, with a lot of mutual respect.”