Optimize End-of-Line Process for Dairy Co-Op
Client:
Michigan Milk Producers Association
Industry:
Food & Beverage
Solution:
Distribution Systems Integration
The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor founded in 1916, serving Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Challenge
- Antiquated process & equipment not able to keep up with demand for powdered dairy products
- Conventional palletizing required significant labor and maintenance
- Facility required a compact and robust end-of-line process for 50 lb. bags of powdered dairy product
Planned Solution
- Integrate end-of-line palletizing process
- DLN will integrate several automated solutions to improve processing, including bag tipper, bag flattener, impurities/metal detector and robotic pick locations for palletizing and automatic pallet dispenser and a robot cell and layer sheet station
- Implement integrated automated stretch wrapper to eliminate a heavy, labor-intensive task for employees
Expected Results
- Faster, modernized end-of-line operations
- Boost end-of-line processing speed 25-30%
- Increased production capacity
- Optimized amount of manual labor required for shipping
- Project organized around a short shut-down window to minimize operational disruptions
