Keeping crisps on the move

In early 2017 UPM Conveyors was selected by Mark Kenny deputy head of operations to design a system for automating the conveying of finished goods from the production area to packaging / despatch which involved elevating boxes from ground level to 4m height through a tunnel over a service road and declining to the packing area for palletising.

It incorporated a powered roller S-bend and custom-engineered belt conveyors suitable for food production to comply with health and safety regulations, and the system has a PLCl to allow operators in both the production and packaging areas to interface with each other. It includes emergency pull cords and emergency stops.

Mark Kenny praised UPM for its cooperation with the installation as it was necessary to carry out certain aspects of the system over weekends to avoid any disruption to production and as a result of this relationship UPM are being considered for future projects in Kolak as the company continues their incredible growth.

The company has seen the acquisition of Berkshire foodsd, NC Snacks and Richmond Crisps and has received a 'Gold Award' for outstanding achievements in the business arena, which was presented by Keith Vaz. MP.