Packaging machine manufacturer IMA Erca has developed a new FFS machine for the Mexican dairy group LALA. This enables the dairy to produce technically sophisticated, filled snap-on lids for various yoghurt products itself. Previously, the company had purchased the lids externally.
For the FFS machine EF825, the project „Duomo“ developed a new patent in which Transparent plastic snap-on lid thermoformed for yoghurt products and with cereals or other toppings such as puffed rice or chocolate balls filled can be used. Both polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used as the material for the lids. Depending on the type of cereal, the dosing during filling is regulated by the volume or weight of the filling quantity.
„Market requirements can change quickly,“ said Philippe Ley, Managing Director at IMA Erca. „That's why it was crucial when designing the machine to have a Future-proof solution that can process multiple materials and products.“ With an output rate of around 32,000 filled and sealed lids per hour, the machine is also extremely efficient. The quality of the lid and filling process has also been improved. „With the new machine from IMA Erca, we now have the entire value chain under our own control,“ emphasises Oscar Ordonez, General Manager of the LALA Group. „This increases our profitability and makes us more independent.“ The return on investment (ROI) should be achieved with the new machine after just nine months.
Networked development work
Several IMA Group companies and other companies worked closely together on the development of the new machine, which took almost 1½ years. The technology and expertise for filling cereals and the lidding station come from IMA Hamba, while the robot solution for placing the plastic spoon comes from a partner company. „The project is an excellent example of how we can create real innovations with added value by networking our Group-wide expertise,“ emphasised Philippe Ley. The machine was delivered in the summer and put into operation at the Irapuato site. LALA has been working with companies from the IMA Group since 1998 and has several machines from IMA Erca and IMA Gasti in operation.
[infotext icon]Erca S.A. is a globally active IMA DAIRY & FOOD company based in Les Ulis, France. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of packaging machines for liquid and pasty products. The portfolio is focussed on applications in the dairy, food and beverage industries.IMA DAIRY & FOOD is part of the Italian company I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.. With its German headquarters in Stutensee, the company develops, produces and sells both individual machines and complete packaging lines[/infotext].
