Thimm invests in Eberswalde site and expands palleting centre

Reconstruction work at the Eberswalde site took around three months and was largely carried out during ongoing production. The extended palleting centre of the Thimm pack’n’display plant now covers a total area of 1,400 m2 and has grown by around 10 metres in length. A new pallet inserter from the German transport system manufacturer Dücker conveyor systems as well as a fully-automatic pallet strapping system from Mosca were integrated into the production line.

According to Michael Weber, Corporate Strategy + Marketing Manager Thimm Group: “By integrating the new systems, we are doing more than just automating and simplifying the transport processes in logistics. With the expansion of the palleting centre, we have created the prerequisite for increasing production capacities by around 30 percent and for relieving the processing lines of internal logistics processes. In the past, increasing order volumes, such as the increased demand for double-fluted corrugated cardboard, have led to an increase in pallet volumes. Further processing can now be carried out more efficiently in the plant."

The installed pallet inserter system ensures increased throughput and the possibility to process stacks up to a size of 1600 x 2400 mm. Up to two stacks can be retracted at the same time, centred on the side and then placed on the inserted pallet. With a capacity of up to 1,500 pallets per day, the throughput time of the transport products can be reduced. Various pallet patterns can be used. “The installation has made it possible to automate and accelerate all in-house logistics and processes for further processing. In addition, the new dimension of the inserter means that larger formats can now be automatically stacked on several pallets in the factory," Weber explains about the further advantages of the investment.

The fully automatic strapping system from the manufacturer Mosca has also accelerated processes since commissioning at the Eberswalde plant: A high-speed pallet truck drive and a belt welding machine enable a pallet throughput of up to 145 pallets/hour. The strapping programs can be configured and adapted to each product. "With the investment and expansion of the palleting centre, we were able to create reliable throughput times, avoid malfunctions such as downtimes and increase the output of the machines. Logistics also offers a further advantage: The stacks can be packed higher thanks to the renovated systems – this benefits sustainability, as valuable space had so far not been completely used during transport by truck,” summarises Weber. The company has invested a total of around 1.5 million euros at the site.