How automation transformed a growing snack manufacturer

Robotiq CEO Samuel Bouchard details how a local snack manufacturer leveraged automation to overcome labor challenges, increase efficiency, and scale production. In a conversation with Mike Welch, Channel Sales Manager, they explore their journey to success and the benefits of automation with Robotiq.

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This week’s featured Robotiq customer is a local snack food manufacturer specializing in popcorn products. Based in a remote area of ​​the North, their business has experienced exponential growth over the past few years. Even though national distribution was not yet in place, production volume was rapidly increasing, putting additional strain on existing equipment and resources. To support growth, they have continued to invest in innovative solutions that support rapid expansion.

business challenges

This customer faced significant challenges due to its rapid growth and geographic location.

• labor shortage: Working in remote areas made it difficult to recruit and retain sufficient staff for end-of-line palletizing operations.
• Increased throughput: Increasing production demands required a reliable and scalable solution to remove bottlenecks in the palletizing process.
• equipment restrictions: Initial automation systems implemented in 2021 suffered from heavier payloads, which slowed down production for some product lines.
• Pressures on Cost and Efficiency: To sustain growth and remain competitive, we needed to optimize operations and ensure a rapid return on investment (ROI) on new equipment.

These challenges are forcing companies to reexamine their automation strategies and seek upgraded solutions to meet their evolving needs.

Why are Robotiq’s palletizing solutions suitable?

The company ultimately chose Robotiq’s palletizing solution for several reasons.

1. Flexibility and scalability: The adaptability of our solution allowed the company to seamlessly transition from a legacy model of low payload palletizers to a model tailored to their evolving needs. This allowed heavier payloads (up to 25 kg) to be easily handled while existing units could be recycled for lighter products.
2. Ease of use: With intuitive software features such as recipe selection and quick SKU setup, the system simplifies product changes and modifications. This was especially important for facilities with small maintenance staff. The new palletizers used the same software interface, allowing operators to use the new palletizers seamlessly.
3. High performance and reliability: The upgraded system delivers increased speed and efficiency, reducing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations even as production demands increase.
4. Fast changeover and minimal downtime: The conversion from PE10 to PE20 was completed within a few hours with minimal production disruption. The team only had to manually palletize one load during the changeover.
5. proven track record: Robotiq’s standardized and reliable products provided confidence in the long-term ROI and operational stability of our automation investments.

Tips for automating end-of-line palletizing

• Start early: If you delay automation, you may be penalized. Start integrating automation solutions today to position your business for scalable growth.
• Focus on ROI: Evaluate potential return on investment. Customers using systems like Robotiq have achieved ROI in less than 9 months in 3 shifts.
• Flexibility Priority: Choose a solution that can adapt to changing production requirements, including new SKUs, box sizes, and line configurations.
• Take advantage of proven solutions: Choose standard, field-tested products over custom solutions. Proven systems have less risk and are easier to deploy, resulting in faster, more predictable ROI.
• Work with a trusted partner: We work with suppliers who offer high-quality products and strong local support to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.

  Automation is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for businesses looking to remain competitive. By investing in scalable and reliable solutions, companies can overcome labor challenges, improve efficiency, and position themselves for long-term success.

  Want more automation success stories for snack manufacturers? See how Deanan Popcorn transformed its operations with our solutions!