MeadWestvaco has installed an Albo Pile Turner in its production plant at Yate, UK. The bespoke AS 1800 model, supplied by UK agent Stanley Press Equipment, was required for Mead’s use of both IIIB and size VI presses, where two stacks need to be turned onto one pallet.
According to Bruce Pearce, transport and warehouse manager at Yate: “Albo was the only manufacturer to respond to our specific requirements, which included a dual clamp pressure system to prevent stack slippage during the turning operation.” Extensive product trials in Sweden using Mead’s own work were undertaken before the order was confirmed.
The Albo AS 1800 installed is a semi automatic, semi portable model, and includes countersunk reinforced platforms. It features a height adjustable spring loaded side-lay, which swings away to allow side loading. This is useful with the two IIIB pallets. In addition, a rear platform allows access to the air and jogging control system, which rejects faulty sheets. Stanley Press also fitted extra light guarding.
Planeta and Roland presses operating with Bobst Autoplatens dictated the need for pile turning facilities to cope with the high volume of, typically, 380-415g/m2 cartonboard used at Yate. Processing 19,000t, or 40M sheets, which equates to 350M cartons annually, Mead is heavily into volume production.
A leading supplier of multipacks to the brewing industry, the company was particularly busy this summer in the run up to the Soccer World Cup, producing carton packs for 18, 20 and 24 cans. It also manufactures cartons for the soft drinks, petfood, and dairy products industries.
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