These twin machines (16 baggers and eight weighers) combine Atlas bag making with Ishida weighing for optimised results and single-source convenience. The equipment is available with iTPS software which supports integrated operation with Ishida multihead weighers to maximise line efficiency. The unique feature is that they are completely integrated – each machine is designed to work with all the others for maximum efficiency. This true rotary machine has a single control point for weigher and bagger as a combination, making it easier to manage and operate the functions.
‘The Simba Cape Town installation was the largest sale of Ishida equipment in southern Africa and the largest single order of Ishida equipment into a PepsiCo site in the world,’ comments Craig Nicholl, Ishida South Africa service engineerPreviously, line packers moved 58 bags/min, while throughput now is 90 bags/min for 30g packs and 70 bags/min for 125g packs. ‘The big plus point is that we can achieve high speeds because of the configuration on our machines,’ enthuses Mick Kerigan, Simba’s packaging regional expert trainer. In terms of overall performance increase, the new machines offer more than 90% efficiency, with giveaway at 0,1g on potato crisps.‘Ishida was able to deliver the very fast speeds we needed and, just as significantly, could achieve these without compromising on weighing accuracy,’ adds Mick.
‘It’s through a century of being in the industry, gaining experience and continuously developing new ways of accurately weighing product at very high speeds that puts Ishida ahead of any competitor,’ explains Craig Nicholl.To ensure smooth installation, Ishida flew Mick and Craig to Japan to inspect the first two machines so that problems could be identified, extras added or unnecessary items removed. Machines were set up with test product and were run as though in a production environment. Mick was able to see every aspect of the machines and make adjustments. This ensured the machines would be built to one standard with all required extras as specified.In Mick’s view, it’s this attention to detail plus the company’s excellent working relationship for more than 20 years that places Ishida head and shoulders above the competition.‘Ishida’s back-up experience was the main factor they had proven themselves over many years, especially in terms of technical support,’ he adds.
Improved pack quality
The equipment has seen improved pack quality across the board – especially noticeable in bag cut off, top and bottom registration, left and right registration, date code, seal integrity (back and end seals) and environmental health and safety results.
Product changeover and downtime has been reduced by 80 to 90%, with film changeover taking under a minute and less bag giveaway.‘I’ve had excellent feedback from the operators – once they have worked on the new equipment, they don’t want to go back to the old machines,’ Mick remarks.In line with its policy of keeping technicians up to date on its equipment, Ishida also awarded certificates to 13 Simba staff who had completed Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical and Mechanical courses. Consensus was that these courses made it easier to understand the machine functions, spot faults and to deal with them. The bottom line: less downtime and happier staff!
