Retail Packaging Line Upgrades

When a food client needed to upgrade its antiquated filling and packaging equipment, they turned to SSOE for assistance. Prior to replacing 13 packaging lines and associated equipment, SSOE worked with the client to create a pilot line to test the capabilities of the new equipment and gain confidence that they could operate the new equipment effectively.

The pilot line ran for about a year, during which time our team helped the client work through any operational issues that arose. Based on what we learned during test runs, we adjusted the design and execution plan regarding how to move forward with the overall layout of the lines and equipment. The project then evolved into a multi-year plan to upgrade the company’s retail filling and packaging equipment and product supply conveyors.

There were three phases to the project and each phase had multiple steps within it. After the pilot line was installed, as phase one, phase two included the installation of a casepacker, case conveyors, and a new palletizer. The final phase, which took about two years, involved the installation of new fillers and cartoners.

SSOE developed a final layout, and then designed 3D models for each phase of the project. The layouts included the support of platforms and equipment from the roof, where possible, to minimize support legs from the floor.

Detail modeling was performed to locate equipment horizontally between the roof joists to allow product supply conveyors to run between, and not clash, with the joist members. The final design included five separate multi-filler cells.