A new automated packaging line, featuring an Ishida CCW-RVE multihead weigher, has allowed AgroAguiar, Portuguese specialist in ultra-frozen fruits, to significantly reduce delivery times and provided the company with the flexibility and capacity to handle different packaging formats.
Facts and figures
- A CCW-RVE mid-range multihead weigher has been installed to handle “ultra” frozen fruit for retail customers.
- Ishida’s reputation for high performance and outstanding weighing accuracy were the main investment criteria.
- Key to the consistent weighing accuracy of the multihead is the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology, which provides greater product feed control
- AgroAguiar is already achieving twice the output capacity compared with the old system, with the aim to soon triple its capacity.
Founded in 2007 in Sabroso de Aguiar, AgroAguiar provides a wide range of ultra-frozen fruits for both the retail and food industries. Its best-selling ultra-frozen products are individualized red fruits or produced in mixes, according to each client’s specification, as well as peeled and ultra-frozen chestnuts.
The company decided to invest in a second packaging line, specifically for the retail sector, to improve delivery times, especially during the peak consumption periods of spring and summer. At the same time, AgroAguiar wanted a versatile solution that would allow it to explore new packaging formats, such as padded bags and doypacks with and without zippers, to meet individual customer needs and market trends. Another critical consideration was to increase the reliability and efficiency of the packaging line
All investment criteria were met by the 14-head Ishida multihead weigher, a CCW-RVE-214W-1S-30-WP-ENH2.
“While the main reason for this investment was to strengthen our packaging capacity, we also sought to reduce the number of overweight packages that our existing line produced on a daily basis,” explained Rodrigo Reis, CEO of AgroAguiar.
“Ishida’s reputation for high performance and outstanding weighing accuracy were the main factors in our decision to choose this multihead weigher supplier and we have already seen a clear improvement in the consistency of the pack weights.”
The key to the consistent weighing accuracy of the CCW-RVE lies in its Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology, which provides greater control of product flow through the Ishida vibrators and during transfer to the hoppers. The ability to automatically vary both the amplitude and duration of vibration allows the vibratory feeders to provide a controlled and consistent flow of product. This maintains speed and efficiency while practically eliminating overfill in the hoppers.
In addition, embossed surfaces facilitate a smooth product flow through the weigher.
Whilst still optimizing the new line, AgroAguiar is already achieving twice the capacity of the old packing system and Rodrigo Reis believes that, after completing its optimization, it should be able to triple the packaging capacity compared with the previous line.
The Ishida CCW-RVE operates up to ten hours per day, handling pack weights from 300g to 1kg. AgroAguiar reports that the weigher is very easy to set up. Furthermore, its waterproof construction facilitates quick and easy cleaning.
The multihead was supplied by Ishida’s Portuguese agent, Divertec, with full training provided to operators. “We received very fast and professional service from Divertec throughout the sale, installation and training,” said Rodrigo Reis.
“We are very pleased with the Ishida multihead weigher,” he continued. “In terms of return on investment, it has helped us to significantly reduce our delivery times from the start and therefore improve our service to customers. This, in turn, allows us to explore new markets and opportunities, and to continue the expansion of our business, as we are now even better prepared to meet the needs of current and potential customers.”
The customer:
Agroaguiar – Agroindustria SA was founded in 2007 in Sabroso de Aguiar, in the heart of the Trás-os-Montes region, famous for its chestnuts, which the company wanted to bring to the world. After its initial success and to meet market and customer demands, AgroAguiar diversified its offerings and today grows, acquires, processes, and distributes ultra-frozen fruits for both the national and international markets. AgroAguiar is committed to providing 100% natural fruits with exceptional flavor, excluding any additives from the production process. Through close relationships with local farmers, cooperatives, and companies, over 70% of its products originate from Portugal. The company currently employs 49 people and in its last fiscal year had a turnover of over €10.5 million.
For more details visit, www.agroaguiar.pt/en
