First R-Series Achieves 'Grater' Accuracy for Cheese
14 September 2006
An Ishida R Series multihead weigher installed at leading cheese processor and packer The Kerrygold Company of Leek, Staffordshire, is delivering higher speeds and improved efficiencies in the packing of grated cheese.
With continuing demand for convenience products, The Kerrygold Company has continued to invest in and expand its grated cheese packing operation, which supplies a range of bag sizes from 200g to 500g to leading retailers, as well as larger packs for foodservice operations. The company has doubled its capacity over the past two years and the new Ishida CCW-R 14-head waterproof model is part of another line for retail packs to continue this expansion.
Thanks to the additional processing capabilities of the new R Series - with a unique algorithm to calculate weighing combinations faster and more accurately than ever before - Kerrygold reports that weight control has improved still further over that being achieved by existing Ishida weighers in the factory, enabling the company to reduce giveaway targets on the new line. At the same time, speeds have increased by around 20%.
"Our business is very competitive and how we control and reduce giveaway is the critical factor between profit and loss," explains The Kerrygold Company's managing director Carl Ravenhall.
"We were already getting excellent results from our other Ishidas, but this latest model has taken weighing accuracy to a new level and, for that reason, our new line is already our preferred line for key production runs."
Other new features of the R Series highlighted by line operators at Kerrygold as being particularly beneficial include a camera mounted on the top of the dispersion feeder table which sends pictures to the Remote Control Unit to enable product flow to the weigher to be consistently monitored; the ability to alter target weights during operation without stopping the machine; and an electronic 'message board' on the RCU, allowing operators to highlight any production line issues for the next shift.
Kerrygold reports that the R Series is easy to operate and completely user-friendly. Ishida also provided full training for operators.
While speed and accuracy are key criteria in Kerrygold's selection of new equipment, high levels of customer service from the supplier is an equally important consideration.
"Naturally we shop around before making any purchasing decision, and when it comes to finding a point of difference between suppliers we often look at the wider picture," says Mr Ravenhall.
"In our market, we have to provide a first-class service and that means not just a quality product, but reliable deliveries and fast action to deal with any problems. We therefore need suppliers who share this vision and commitment and who can respond with the same speed and urgency when required.
"We have a longstanding relationship with Ishida and the company has more than proved itself in these respects. So although we were the first UK company to take delivery of an R Series weigher, we had few qualms as we knew that if there were any initial problems, these would be dealt with swiftly and efficiently."
Ishida also supplied its latest model DACS checkweigher with integrated metal detector for the line.
"While, like any new equipment, the Ishida has to justify it purchase - as indeed it has - we made our decision on more than financial terms," concludes Mr Ravenhall.
"To stay ahead of the competition, we have to deliver excellent service, remain the lowest cost producer and never accept second best. Ishida has proved a perfect partner in helping us to achieve and maintain these aims."
