Australian firm adopts Walkers' system

An automated packaging line based on a system designed for packing bags of crisps at three UK Walkers factories is now being used at the Smith's Snackfood Company in Brisbane, Australia.

The installation is one of the largest ever Schubert automation packaging lines and was developed by its international packaging subsidiary IPS. It comprises 10 automated packing stations, each with a pair of robot arms with a vacuum gripper tool for picking and placing packs into shipping cartons at around 1,600 bags of Smith's crisps a minute.

The line, part of a multi-million pound investment by parent company PepsiCo, was designed to lower manufacturing and supply chain costs and installed in a 650m2 extension at Smith's Tingalpa production facility.

The main aim of the project was to develop a space-efficient multi-pack that would improve pack presentation, shelf-ready packaging and produce clear product differentiation in a very competitive market segment.

As well as rationalising production, the project has delivered an environmental benefit with a switch to recycled cardboard cartons instead of plastic bags. It means 350t of non-recyclable plastic wrap is no longer sent to landfill every year.

Walkers is using seven Schubert systems at its plants in Leicester, Peterlee and Coventry.

Contact: Schubert UK Tel: 01676 525825​