A DECISION to retrofit packing lines with new metal detection technology has taken a big bite out of a crisp manufacturer’s produce wastage.
United Biscuits (UB) wanted to improve the processing efficiency of its multi-bag crisp packing lines and called upon Lock Inspection Systems for assistance.
The metal detection equipment supplier installed all the lines within one UB production site with 62 throat metal detectors, reducing product wastage by over 70%.
The packing lines were originally fitted with conventional end of line metal detectors which were inspecting sealed multi-packs of crisps each containing up to nine individual bags of the snack product at the end of the packaging process.
However the main drawback when inspecting sealed multi-packs, was the wastage potential if a foreign metal object was detected in one individual bag, then the entire multi-pack would be rejected.
In contrast Lock’s MET30+ UNIVERSAL throat metal detectors were retrofitted to nine crisp packing lines within the confined space between the outlet of the multi head weigher and the inlet to the VFFS bag maker in order that crisps were inspected during the free-fall prior to entering the bag.
Without the hindrances of the metalized film packaging the throat metal detectors are working at optimum level and have reduced product waste by over 70%.
Originally Lock’s successful bid, under United Biscuit’s primary central E-Sourcing event to streamline the company’s purchasing process, secured an initial order of 18 throat metal detectors to be installed within nine lines at UB’s Billingham site.
Subsequently a further 44 throat metal detectors have been installed within this site, making Lock UB’s designated and preferred supplier of throat metal detectors.
Paul Simcox, project engineer for United Biscuits, said as well as reducing waste, the metal detectors would ensure the quality assurances required to retain retailer confidence.
