18 minute read
CIMCORP
Cimcorp achieves record order fulfillment lead time for two of Mercadona’s large logistics centers
Cimcorp, integrator of turnkey robotic handling solutions, and Mercadona, one of Spain’s leading grocery retailers, have celebrated the successful go-live of a third large logistics center featuring Cimcorp automation. Following the start of operations in both Zaragoza and San Isidro in 2021, the strategic Parc Sagunt facility went live during the first week of May 2022 and has been ramped up to full capacity in a controlled manner. The announcement is part of a long partnership of co-innovation alliance between Mercadona and Cimcorp. Cimcorp is delivering automated intralogistics systems for several of the grocery retailer’s distribution centers as part of Mercadona’s strategic efforts to drive sustainable transformation in the food supply chain through automation. Serving over 600 of the retailer’s 1600 supermarkets, Cimcorp’s automated systems will ensure that fresh foods are available to some 2 million of the 5 million households that shop at Mercadona. Aligned with the commitment to deliver uncompromising value to Mercadona’s customers and employees, Cimcorp has designed reliable, lean and green automation solutions to optimize order flow in the company’s logistics centers.
OPTIMAL FRESHNESS THROUGH REDUCED LEAD TIME
“The grocery industry is extremely competitive, as shoppers change their consumption habits and preferred store very quickly,” says Kari Miikkulainen, Director of Warehouse & Distribution Industry Sales at Cimcorp. “Today, stores offering the freshest, most seasonal produce will win. Our job is to help industry players provide their shoppers with more high-quality, fresh produce in less time, enabling longer shelf life and therefore less food waste.”
Cimcorp’s solution enables automatic storage, handling and order picking in different temperature zones, with data tracking and tracing and everything managed by sophisticated and integrated software to streamline processes. The overall solution reduces order-processing time significantly, meaning shoppers can get their produce fresh from the local fields to stores within 24 hours.
“There are no rest days for reliable solutions,” continues Kari Miikkulainen. “Our modular software is architected with unpredictability in mind. There is no place for off days in today’s hyperevolving consumer demand. Our solution is designed to divide the work into sections controlled by one integrated management solution, resulting in all units working to meet our partner’s desired growth targets.”
REDUCED OVEREXERTION
Repetitive tasks are left to the robots in Cimcorp’s new food solution, which reduces costs, enhances employee productivity and minimizes possible errors in delivery. “One of the advantages is reducing errors to guarantee a 10 out of 10 service for our stores and customers,” says Javier Blasco, Logistics Solutions Purchasing Manager at Mercadona.
Through Cimcorp’s highly automated solution – providing reliable and seamless storage, picking and retrieval processes – quality is front and center of all aspects of the material flow. “The
order fulfillment process is automated,” says Miikkulainen, “and we trust our robots with the heavy lifting. Trusting automation maximizes the center’s output capacity, increasing the quality and productivity of the staff at work. This collaborative human-machine knowhow ensures that everything inside the four walls of the distribution centers is optimized, and no orders are ever late.”
The future is in adapting to uncertainty and designing for growth and scalability, and that is what Cimcorp and Mercadona worked towards from day one with the modular automation design process. “Having modular solutions has advantages,” says Javier Blasco, “such as the fact that all the staff know the installation, regardless of the city in which they are located. In addition, solutions can be scaled and processes standardized more efficiently. The best thing”, he continues, “has been the robustness of the application; we have had no operational surprises processing actual orders and have been able to provide guaranteed service to our stores.”
New Weipong HQPP Flexo-Printer
Weedon PSC’s largest ever investment in equipment
Weedon PSC, the UK’s leading independent manufacturer of food and drink corrugated packaging and Point of Sale (POS) displays, has acquired a new six-colour HQPP (High Quality Post Print) Weipong flexo-printer. The machine, which is the company’s largest ever equipment acquisition, has been installed at its Hednesford site in Staffordshire and is now operational.
Weedon PSC has invested in the Weipong flexo-printer, prompted by the need to increase print capacity to meet demand for packaging to support recent growth, as well as developments towards more sustainable packaging.
The Weipong will print sheets bigger than Weedon PSC’s two existing TCY printers, enabling the production of a wider range of packaging and displays. For example, for the first time, the company will be able to offer flexo-printing on POS displays as a more cost effective option for high volume runs.
The machine will also print both sides in one pass (four colours on one side, two on the reverse), making it ideal for eCommerce packaging and Retail Ready Packaging with printing inside the box. It can also apply a coating on the inside of a box, for example for fresh produce, offering a more environmentallyfriendly, cost-effective alternative to plastic packaging.
The Weipong printer also includes an infra-red dryer to dry each colour station between applications, so it can run high quality work at speed. Weedon PSC had to remove walls at its factory and reposition existing equipment to install the Weipong, The machine breaks records for the company both in terms of its size and its cost – it is the largest investment in a single piece of equipment in the company’s history.
John Weedon, Managing Director of Weedon PSC, commented:
“The acquisition of a Weipong flexoprinter follows significant expansion over the last year or so and represents the largest single investment in our company’s history.
“The demand for corrugated packaging is rising, and we are also seeing an increase in customers switching to coated corrugated board as a greener alternative to plastic packaging, especially in markets such as fresh produce and chilled foods.
“The packaging industry is having to make some major changes to accommodate new trends. In our case things are pretty extreme – we had to demolish part of our factory to accommodate new equipment to keep up with demand!”
A great way to save labour cost
We all appreciate that one of the most expensive overheads in your business walks on two legs, arrives every day at 9 am, and leaves at 5 pm. I am of course talking about your labour costs. So, when a product comes along that suggests it can save your labour costs and provide a more flexible way of working, it might just be worth investigating. For example, scaffolding is not usually a subject I would get excited about; however, analysis of the data suggests this particular product requires deeper scrutiny.
I would have my knuckles wrapped by the manufacturer if I did not immediately dispel the image conjured up by the word scaffolding. There are significant differences between scaffolding and the LOBO Work Platform System, the subject of this article. The differences are technical and commercial hence the excitement.
Firstly, we are unlikely to see this product on a building site, so can we dismiss the concept of traditional scaffolding with heavy tubes and planks of timber? Instead, think more of an adult’s version of Meccano or Adults Erector Set, which can be assembled without the need for any tools and is used by companies for maintenance. Enough said about the product.
Next, let us look at the all-important cost benefit that may save your company thousands.
The people at LOBO have supplied me with countless incidents of companies who use the LOBO System in preference to calling in the expensive and inflexible scaffolding contractor. But, of course, it needs to be said upfront that the LOBO System is not the answer to all your scaffolding requirements. Still, any internal facilities, plant or machinery applications are a strong possibility.
On meeting the brains behind LOBO, great pains are taken to explain how it all works, citing that some of the world’s largest companies have taken the plunge and now use the system. Of course, we all accept that the way data is presented can have different interpretations, but looking closely at the figures, they appear to stack up. LOBO has documented several case studies (details available on request) that clearly show the cost-saving advantages, which reveal impressive results with only a minimal investment. The customers studied are not from the same sector and range from automated distribution, food & beverage, to huge manufacturing multinationals. However, whilst they come from a diverse industrial base, they all appear to have similar cost issues, which may be resolved using a LOBO System.
Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Anheuser Busch & Samsung LOBO cites Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Anheuser Busch & Samsung as some of their best-known customers.
Applications are for Automated Distribution, RADAR Installations, Brewery and Semi-Conductor Manufacturing Maintenance. The actual use may differ due to the versatile nature of the product, but the cost-saving benefit applies to all. These companies and many more have to employ externally based (outsourced) scaffolding contractors. They must comply with the working-at-height regulations, sometimes for simple maintenance tasks.
This can be expensive, as it takes time, which is where the cost is, to erect a system, and it stays up for the preagreed minimum rental time. Often this can be weeks or longer and costs more and more each day which may be counter-productive. LOBO point out that their system can be assembled by anyone who has been trained quickly and easily and then packed away when not in use in their custom Towerstore cage.
The additional benefit of having your system is that it is available 7 days a week and deployed whenever you want, quicker than traditional scaffolding. The knock-on effect could mean more excellent production uptime, with obvious cost-saving ramifications.
The case studies I looked at revealed a payback time of between 1 to 9 months with a capital spend of between 10% and 40 % of the existing scaffolding budget. This only applies to the first year, as once you have invested, it is plain sailing from the payback date onwards.
There are ongoing annual operational costs which amount to no more than 5%, for example, 2-year refresher training. But looking at the big picture, this is impressive.
A positive can therefore be drawn on a cost-saving basis alone.
It might be that you can cut your scaffolding costs in half or even reduce it to zero. But, on the other hand, big budget holders such as oil, manufacturing and chemical companies spend millions each year and may feel resigned to paying these vast sums yearly.
Perhaps there is an alternative where the cost-benefit analysis adds up, and your reliance on outsourced scaffolding companies can be reduced into the bargain.
For more information, call UK +44(0)1332 365666 and North America 800 640 5492 or Schedule your online demonstration now!
Established in 1978, Isoclad & sister company Securiclad have been supplying panel systems for over 40 years. Part of the Resource family of businesses since 2017, Isoclad and Securiclad operate from two sites employing over 60 highly trained staff.
Our Isoclad operation plus Securiclad sales, design and technical teams are located in our North Shields HQ, with Securiclad production and Customclad operation located in our brand-new state of the art facility in Monmouth, South Wales.
Isoclad is the largest independent manufacturer of insulated panels and ancillaries in the UK. Renowned for our products globally, we place user-friendly service at the heart of our offering, ensuring your project receives ongoing advice and support at every stage from our team of professionals.
In addition to our industry leading insulated panels, as a business we offer a much wider service; from initial project planning through to blueprints and installation, we liaise with your team to enable a smooth project timeline from start to finish.
Innovation is part of what makes us who we are and what drives us. We continue to invest in innovative products and production methodologies, recognising that the built environment is continually changing and that our processes and products must move with it.
Our Thermocore panel range delivers excellent thermal performance and are designed to offer superb structural integrity, lending itself to hygienic and temperature controlled applications amongst others.
EXCELLENT THERMAL EFFICIENCY
The thermally-efficient, closed cell foam core provides excellent performance and cost savings through reduced demand on utilities and excessive heating & cooling which limits the carbon footprint of our products.
TOTAL VERSATILITY
Our internal wall and ceiling insulated panels deliver a flexible, lightweight product that combines functionality, reliability and durability. These products are suitable for an array of sectors such as Cold & Chill Stores, Freezers, Food Processing and Clean Room facilities. Designed to be installed with ease, Thermocore can be used for permanent walls, temporary partitions and demountable solutions.
HYGIENE SAFE AND MOISTURE RESISTANT
Our specifications allow for control of mould and bacterial growth and resist moisture ingress. Hygienic and safe product faces make this product ideal for very demanding requirements.
ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS
The Thermocore range has a low environmental footprint and is made from part-recycled materials including environmentally friendly steel, increasing your building’s ecocredentials.
Dual Energy X-ray Detectors from METTLER TOLEDO Provide Dual Energy X-ray Detectors from METTLER TOLEDO Provide Advanced Detection of ‘Hard-to-Find’ Contaminants Advanced Detection of ‘Hard-to-Find’ Contaminants
X-ray inspection systems are predominantly designed to detect unwanted physical contaminants within food and pharmaceutical products, regardless of their shape, packaging type or location. Hard-to-find contaminants can go undetected if you are not using the right detector technology for your application. X-ray inspection systems equipped with dual energy detector technology raise contamination detection to a new level. The new advanced detector technologies, DXD and DXD+ from METTLER TOLEDO enable the detection of low-density contaminants including bone, plastics
X-ray inspection systems are and rubbers within formerly hard-topredominantly designed to detect inspect applications. These types of unwanted physical contaminants within contaminants are traditionally hard to food and pharmaceutical products, detect within the ‘cluttered’ or ‘noisy’ x-ray regardless of their shape, packaging type images generated by overlapping and or location. Hard-to-find contaminants multi-textured products such as packs can go undetected if you are not using of pasta, chicken breasts, sausages and the right detector technology for your frozen potato-based goods. application. X-ray inspection systems equipped with dual energy detector Such applications are a perfect match technology raise contamination detection for DXD and DXD+ advanced detector to a new level. technology, in conjunction with intuitive new METTLER TOLEDO Advanced The new advanced detector technologies, Material Discrimination software tools. DXD and DXD+ from METTLER TOLEDO The software helps to separate and enable the detection of low-density remove the prominent material of the contaminants including bone, plastics food product within the x-ray image,
and rubbers within formerly hard-toinspect applications. These types of contaminants are traditionally hard to detect within the ‘cluttered’ or ‘noisy’ x-ray images generated by overlapping and multi-textured products such as packs of pasta, chicken breasts, sausages and frozen potato-based goods. Such applications are a perfect match for DXD and DXD+ advanced detector technology, in conjunction with intuitive new METTLER TOLEDO Advanced Material Discrimination software tools. The software helps to separate and remove the prominent material of the food product within the x-ray image, revealing the presence of any lower revealing the presence of any lower density contaminants. As a result of density contaminants. As a result of the accuracy and reliability of DXD and the accuracy and reliability of DXD and DXD+ detection, food manufacturers can DXD+ detection, food manufacturers can be more confident that their products are be more confident that their products are safe for consumers. They will also benefit safe for consumers. They will also benefit from reduced False Reject Rates and from reduced False Reject Rates and product waste, helping to deliver a fast product waste, helping to deliver a fast return on investment. return on investment.
The outstanding performance of this The outstanding performance of this cutting-edge technology has been shown cutting-edge technology has been shown in tests conducted by METTLER TOLEDO, in tests conducted by METTLER TOLEDO, in which a range of different foreign in which a range of different foreign bodies were hidden in 650 gram packs bodies were hidden in 650 gram packs of chicken breasts. The table below of chicken breasts. The table below illustrates these results: illustrates these results:
Contaminant type Smallest size detected with 100% Probability of Detection (P.O.D) using single energy x-ray
Contaminant type Smallest size detected with 100% Smallest size detected with 100% Probability of Detection (P.O.D) Probability of Detection (P.O.D) using single energy x-ray using DXD or DXD+
Aluminium Aluminium
Low Mineral Glass Low Mineral Glass
Rubber Rubber
Wish bone* Wish bone*
Rib bone* Rib bone* 3 mm 3 mm
3 mm 3 mm
6 mm 6 mm
Undetected Undetected
Undetected Undetected 2 mm 2 mm
2 mm 2 mm
5 mm 5 mm
100% detection 100% detection
95% detection 95% detection
Contaminant type Contaminant type Aluminium Aluminium
Low Mineral Glass Low Mineral Glass
Rubber Rubber Size detected with single energy x-ray Size detected with single energy x-ray Size detected with DXD or DXD+Size detected with DXD or DXD+ 3 mm 3 mm 2 mm 2 mm
3 mm 3 mm
6 mm 6 mm 2 mm 2 mm
5 mm 5 mm
Note that the test results are dependent on individual applications and results presented above are for guidance purposes only Note that the test results are dependent on individual applications and results presented above are for guidance purposes only
The advanced detector technology is available in two versions, giving customers two The advanced detector technology is available in two versions, giving customers two levels of dual energy x-ray performance: levels of dual energy x-ray performance:
DXD: enhanced x-ray performance at a competitive price; can operate in the DXD: enhanced x-ray performance at a competitive price; can operate in the same environments as single energy solutions and can be used with line same environments as single energy solutions and can be used with line speeds typically up to 100 meters per minute. speeds typically up to 100 meters per minute.
DXD+: premium detector technology for the most challenging applications; DXD+: premium detector technology for the most challenging applications; collects more data about the product being inspected, and advanced image collects more data about the product being inspected, and advanced image analysis software provides clearer images with much higher resolution; analysis software provides clearer images with much higher resolution; DXD+ can be used with line speeds typically up to 45 meters per minute.DXD+ can be used with line speeds typically up to 45 meters per minute.
DXD and DXD+ dual energy DXD and DXD+ dual energy detectors can now be specified with detectors can now be specified with new purchases of METTLER TOLEDO new purchases of METTLER TOLEDO X36 X-ray systems. Only a small X36 X-ray systems. Only a small amount of extra operator training is amount of extra operator training is required due to automatic job set-up required due to automatic job set-up and the similarities between the and the similarities between the Advanced Material Discrimination Advanced Material Discrimination software and the ContamPlus™ software and the ContamPlus™ software that is familiar to existing software that is familiar to existing METTLER TOLEDO x-ray users. METTLER TOLEDO x-ray users. “DXD and DXD+ provide “DXD and DXD+ provide unprecedented levels of detection in unprecedented levels of detection in the most challenging applications the most challenging applications our customers face. The benefits are our customers face. The benefits are both economic and reputational: they both economic and reputational: they can better protect the integrity of their can better protect the integrity of their products and their brand, while also products and their brand, while also reducing cost and wastage through reducing cost and wastage through improved False Reject Rates and less improved False Reject Rates and less product throwaway.” product throwaway.”
Gareth Jones, Head of Engineering Gareth Jones, Head of Engineering for Product Inspection for Product Inspection
For more information visit For more information visit www.mt.com/xray-de-wp-pr www.mt.com/xray-de-wp-pr
