Campina takes strict measures to ensure that their products remain of high quality and invested in new equipment to test samples for bacteria formation.
The original holders for the production samples were easily damaged which prevented them from continuing to pass easily through the sampling robot. Engels was given the assignment of designing a suitable universal holder.
In the analysis to find the right product, various requirements had to be taken into consideration related to ‘usability’ and ‘transportability’. Among other things, the bins had to be:
- perforated so the products would quickly reach the desired temperature of 37 degrees in the climate room
- such that an exact positioning of the dairy products would be mandatory so the robot could always jab at the right place.
- of a height that took the insertion depth of the robot into consideration as well as the height of the various products to be stocked
- provided with barcode labels
- easy to clean
- portable to 12 kg
Campina wanted to include a total of thirteen different products. Because of the complex actions of the sampling robot, one standard bin was not sufficient. But a completely new product would be too expensive for the limited number of bins that Campina needed. Thus the decision was made to use a standard bin with a custom-made insert. To limit the cost-price even more, an attempt was made to have as few tray variants as possible, so as many trays as possible could be produced with each vacuum form mould. As a result, it was sufficient to use three types of bins of various heights, and four different trays.
Cheaper because of custom work
In addition to the wide range of standard bins in their catalogue, Engels can also make and supply semi-standard products. With this method one starts with universal bins (four sides and a bottom, made according to standard measurements) in which the requirements of the customer can be met optimally by inserting a custom-made tray.
In the realisation of this product Engels has demonstrated again that they can provide added value for any production system.