With the new „Phoenix Universe“ packaging line, Lorenz Snack World and Focke & Co are presenting a joint project that combines automation, artificial intelligence and sustainability at a new level. The highly flexible line requires significantly less space and sets new standards for efficiency and resource conservation.
In an exclusive development partnership, Lorenz Snack-World and Focke & Co have presented a new generation of packaging lines. The jointly developed „Phoenix Universe“ line combines modular machine construction with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and AI-based production control - and is designed to ensure greater flexibility, reduced space requirements and greater sustainability.
According to the manufacturer, the new system can reduce the space required in existing production facilities by up to 50 per cent. Instead of conventional conveyor technology, autonomous transport systems take over the material movement. At the same time, the compact modules can be expanded or replaced as required - without stopping the entire system.
Reaction to volatile markets and increasing demands
„With this new system, we are ensuring our ability to react quickly and flexibly to market developments and portfolio adjustments,“ says Dr Michael Holtschulze, Director of Production International at Lorenz Snack-World. The packaging line is not only designed to meet current requirements in the food sector, but is also future-proof in the long term.
Focke CEO Jan-Eric Kruse also emphasises the strategic importance of the collaboration: „The partnership with Lorenz came at exactly the right time to transfer our market leadership from other consumer goods segments to the food industry.“
Focus on AI, modularity and sustainability
The „Phoenix Universe“ line relies on standardised interfaces for integration into MES systems, real-time data from production and automated communication between production, logistics and quality control. A central element is the so-called string architecture: individual function modules can be flexibly configured, exchanged and maintained - within a few hours if required.
The use of artificial intelligence enables, among other things, automatic error detection, suggestions for troubleshooting and an analysis of the causes of errors. The aim is to ensure quality, minimise rejects and continuously optimise the overall process.
The ecological benefits are also part of the concept: dispensing with conventional conveyor lines saves material and energy, reduces emissions and minimises land consumption. Existing production areas can be utilised longer and more efficiently - in the spirit of a resource-conserving industry.
Rollout planned
The new modules are to be successively integrated into Lorenz's production sites over the coming years. The successful completion of the project is seen by both partners as proof of their innovative strength and trusting cooperation.
„The close dialogue between the two teams was the key to the quick and successful implementation,“ explains Oliver Kuhls, Head of Global Engineering at Lorenz.
