Two new packaging lines for Harkebrügge

28.01.2019 From the Bell Food Group

The Harkebrügge site is set for top performance when it comes to packaging. Bell Germany's logistics and slicing center has had two new lines for packaging ham and other specialities in folded packs and oval trays since mid-2018. The innovative systems, which were created by replacing or converting existing lines, enable the company to produce twice as much as its predecessor models.

German customers love Abraham brand ham in the practical folding packs. And the oval trays, in which Bell Germany offers the new Iberico specialties, for example, are also very popular.

As both types of packaging have seen rising sales figures in recent years, the slicing center in Harkebrügge has repeatedly reached its limits. New systems were needed, but there was not enough space. The solution: the existing line for folded packs was replaced and the line for oval trays was rebuilt with a view to the future.

"We developed a line concept for folded packs that is a world first in this form," reports Stefan Potgeter, who is responsible for process automation at Bell Germany, among other things. "Like the standard lines, it consists of a slicer, packaging machine and folding system, but has been supplemented with innovative components."

The high-performance slicer also has an innovative "interleaver module", which automatically places the separating film between the ham slices. Together with special grippers that work separately with the interleaver module, this makes the slicer in Harkebrügge the first of its kind in the world.

The system also includes a modern gripper robot that places the portions on the packaging film. Extensive control systems for portion quantities or for detecting foreign bodies also guarantee the consistent quality and safety of the products.

When converting the line for the oval trays, Bell took advantage of the possibilities offered by automation today. A gripper robot specially developed for this project now places the cut portions into the packaging trays. A buffer guarantees that it can work continuously, even if the slicer is being loaded with a new ham or chorizo.

"In Harkebrügge, we can make good use of every free hand," says Stefan Potgeter. "That's why it's also a great benefit for us that the number of staff needed on the new line has more than halved." Last but not least, the capacities of the new lines are also impressive: Both new additions are twice as efficient as their predecessors.