Precision is crucial in chocolate production, particularly when it comes to filling premium products. Zotter Chocolate, based in Styria, Austria, has opted for Ishida multihead weighers to ensure their high quality standards. With a product range of over 500 different chocolate items – from bars to pralines to dragees – Zotter ensures that each package contains the promised weight.
The decision for Ishida multihead weighers was made due to their ability to handle weights from 20g to 130g with a deviation of less than 0.5 percent from the target weight. This precision is not only crucial for Zotter's adherence to quality standards but also for the efficient utilisation of valuable chocolate. The weighers enable speeds of 20 to 30 packs per minute and are known for quick setup and easy cleaning, which is advantageous given the frequent product changes in Zotter's production.
Bean-to-bar and sustainable production
Zotter Chocolate is committed to the „bean-to-bar“ concept, which allows for complete control over the entire production process, from roasting the cocoa beans to packaging the finished products. All ingredients are sourced through fair trade and organic farming, underscoring the company's dedication to sustainability and quality. Gerald Prasch, Production Manager at Zotter, emphasises the importance of precise weight control: „If the packaging states 100 grams, we guarantee at least 100 grams – for every product.“
Automation and efficiency
The two Ishida multihead weighers at Zotter are each responsible for different types of packaging. One 14-head weigher packages products such as chocolate-covered popcorn and „light bulbs“ (chocolate in easily portionable miniature light bulb shapes) into pouches, while a 10-head weigher fills Balleros (chocolate-covered fruits and nuts) into cartons. Despite the different levels of automation in the two production areas, both weighers meet Zotter's high standards.
As Balleros and similar chocolate products are constantly in high demand, Zotter packs them on a fully automated line. First, the carton is erected and lined with film, which is inserted by a robot. The Ishida multihead weigher weighs an average of 6,000 to 7,000 boxes per day, with two to three product changes.
Despite the different levels of automation in the two production areas, both Ishida multihead weighers are performing equally well and meeting Zotter's high requirements. Gerald Prasch summarises: „We are very satisfied. The service requirement is minimal, the weighing results are precise. Both Ishida multihead weighers meet our high quality standards.“
Source: Ishida
