Robots just keep on saving

Almost two years after adding two ABB robotic cells to its production line, Ilchester Cheese continues to maintain improved labour and material savings.

The company currently exports to over 20 countries and in the UK delivers pre-packed and deli-counter cheese to food manufacturers, wholesalers, supermarkets and independent stores. In 2005, Ilchester Cheese approached RTS Flexible Systems for a new automated production line to help improve efficiency and increase yield.

RTS and ABB provided Ilchester Cheese with two ABB Flexpicker robots capable of handling 150 picks a minute to move cheese blocks.

Operating in two, eight-hour shifts the Flexpicker robots have reduced labour turnover by half.

As each robot scans the production line, it identifies the optimum height of a block of cheese. If the product does not fit the pre-determined height, the cheese is left on the conveyor to be cut and sent through the production line again.

Ilchester Cheese has already recouped its initial investment.

Contact: RTS Flexible Systems; Tel: 0161 777 2000