PA C K A G I N G We’ve made labelling punnets easy! The EQM labelling solution turns produce into brands. www.foodtechnology.co.nz 27 Contact us today 0800 147 847 or visit www.eqm.co.nz ATTN16EQM29 You can set up a complete labelling line as displayed at Foodtech Packtech. NEW AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS REP IN NEW ZEALAND Traditional industrial robots have been deployed in manufacturing facilities for decades, but because of practical and economic limitations, manufacturers have only automated approximately 10% of factory tasks, with the other 90% left to humans. Whilst enabling a high- volume, low-mix model of manufacturing, traditional models fail to meet the demands of low -volume, high- mix manufacturing that defines today’s increasingly personalised and customised world. New Zealand companies interested in automated packaging systems and productive processes now have access to local expertise, with the announcement by Impact Robotics that John Brooks Ltd will be its Kiwi representative. Impact, which distributes Rethink Robots A strawberry grower is reaping the rewards of having a turnkey production line installed to label and accumulate punnets and speed up the packline as well as replace the manual role of applying labels. Dix Automatic Self-Adhesive Punnet Label Applicators supplied and installed by food technology specialists EQM Industrial consisted of a M-Track Belt Conveyor with the Dix Labeller mounted over the top and an EQM rotary table at the end of the conveyor to accumulate the punnets ready to be packed into boxes for export. An initial labeller was so effective a second one was installed to streamline the company’s operations. The M-track Belt Conveyors are lightweight, easy to assemble, are hygiene-friendly and safe to operate. A range of special features can be added such as punnet guides, sensor mounts, adjustable legs on wheels and variable speed controllers, and EQM Industrial has a modular costing schedule which provides quick quotes on any size. Dix Punnet Labellers come in a wide range of models such as high-speed for online fruit labelling and handheld tools for fruit such as avocados, pears and feijoas. Consult the experts about your packing operation and EQM guarantees that your packing costs will come down. Freephone 0800 147 847 | Email sales@eqm.co.nz | Web www.eqm.co.nz PUNNET LABELLER THE PICK OF THE CROP in the Australasian market, says John Brooks will help New Zealand food manufacturers gain flexibility by deploying its smart collaborative Sawyer robot, which has the ability to adapt to real-world variability, change applications quickly and perform tasks like people do. With offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, John Brooks has been providing leading technologies to industrial clients throughout New Zealand since 1964 and has helped manufacturers add efficiency and flexibility into their operations. “This is a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand companies looking to adopt global, smart manufacturing technologies and drive operational improvement in terms of productivity, profitability and safety,” Impact’s general manager David Birnbaum says. “Our experience deploying the cobots, in a range of different applications, has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers reporting notable efficiency gains and short equipment payback times.” John Brooks managing director Murray Brooks says the company is excited by the new representation, with the ability to bring the next evolution of automation technology to New Zealand industry. “These cobots will improve productivity by allowing workers to train the robots to carry out tasks and use this leading technology for the overall benefit of their company,” he says.
FT-Nov16
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