New multihead lifts speed and accuracy to avoid bottlenecks at Swiss chocolatier

Switzerland’s Maestrani has invested in Ishida weighing technology to ensure its line bagging wrapped chocolates can maintain the necessary output across its wide range.

Located to the east of Zurich, Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen produces around 4,500 tons of chocolate products annually, and is increasing this total. But one weigher was proving a bottleneck on the bagging side, says production manager André Pfister. “The old weigher was simply too inaccurate and could no longer meet our throughput rates," he says.

After evaluating options, Maestrani selected a 14-head Ishida multihead weigher, which was installed by local distributor ITECH and operates at speeds of 40 packs per minute. The weigher runs in conjunction with an existing vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) bagmaker. Formats vary from 110g stand-up pouches to 1kg pillow packs, while product spans the range from 5g pieces to large chocolate figures weighing up to 22g.

According to Ishida, the multihead delivers not only increased speed but also: greater accuracy; reduced waste, with fewer damaged or incorrectly-wrapped products; and improved ergonomics and working conditions, with a machine enclosure reducing noise levels to well under the 85DB limit.

Full training for operators and engineers means they are now able to generate new presets and make fine adjustments, it adds.

Pfister enthuses about the collaborative and goal-driven project management, which addressed all the manufacturer’s requirements. The technical support is also impressive: "We know we can reach someone around the clock, which gives us real peace of mind,” he says.

“Reach out to ITECH with clear requirements, and the implementation will be perfect,” Pfister adds. “This is an example of how precise planning, close collaboration and technical expertise enable sustainable weighing and packaging solutions production, in keeping with the spirit of genuine Swiss chocolate quality!”

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