New Divert Conveyor Installation Delivers Major Efficiency Gains for Leading Bakery

Western Mechanical Handling UK Ltd (WMH) has successfully completed the installation of a bespoke divert and transfer conveyor system as part of a major bakery production line overhaul, helping to significantly reduce manual handling and improve operational efficiency.

The new system has been designed to transfer products in acetate trays from an automated tray-loading system directly into an adjacent flow-wrapping machine. By automating what was previously a labour-intensive process, the bakery is expected to reduce manual intervention by approximately 50%, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value tasks elsewhere in the factory.

One of the key challenges of the project was routing the conveyor through a busy production environment already occupied by several existing production lines. To overcome this, WMH utilised a modular plastic belt conveyor, providing the flexibility needed to navigate around equipment and weave seamlessly between machines while maintaining reliable product flow.

The installation required a number of bespoke engineering solutions. Custom-designed support frames were manufactured to bridge lower-level conveyors, allowing the transfer system to pass safely above existing production equipment without disrupting operations.

To ensure smooth product handling, WMH also incorporated a specially designed roller transfer chute at the conveyor outfeed. As trays transition across sections of the system, the chute provides controlled product transfer while helping to prevent spillage and maintain product integrity.

Adding further versatility, the chute was engineered with a hinged design, allowing it to be moved out of position whenever products on the lower-level conveyor require unobstructed passage. This innovative feature enables multiple production lines to operate efficiently within the same footprint, maximising the available factory space.

The project demonstrates WMH’s ability to deliver tailored conveyor solutions that address complex site constraints while improving productivity, reducing manual handling, and supporting future growth.

Looking to optimise product transfer within your production facility? WMH designs and manufactures bespoke conveyor and automation solutions tailored to the unique requirements of food, bakery, and manufacturing environments.

https://www.wmh-uk-ltd.com/new-divert-conveyor/