To support a volume growth strategy, reduce costs, improve quality control and minimize manual handling risks, UK manufacturer of coloured and specialist papers James Cropper has invested in an automated handling system. Typically, 70,000 pallets are handled each year, amounting to 250,000 individual pallet movements. In addition, 42,000 unpalletized webs are handled and 800,000 individual labels are applied.
Aetna UK supplied a system based on four Euroimpianti laser guided vehicles: one with clamp attachment to handle reels, and the other three to handle the multiplicity of palletized materials. It also provided a new fully automated pallet strapping, stretchwrapping and labelling line to work in unison - the whole system centrally controlled and monitored by its own stock control software.
To minimize the installation and commissioning time at James Cropper, the whole system was assembled and tested at Euroimpianti's plant in Italy prior to acceptance. By simulating the final factory floor layout, product types, routings and throughputs, the system could be evaluated against all requirements prior to installation.
James Cropper say its investment in the Euroimpianti LGVs has cut labour costs by a third, reduced exposure to manual handling risks, and ensured that any future growth in sales can be accommodated.
Steve Crook, finishing operations manager, and responsible for the project, comments: “The automation of our process has reduced headcount, however staff turnover in other departments has enabled the surplus labour to be redeployed. Now the Speciality Papers’ complex order book is handled and packed in minutes and hours, rather than days.”
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