Cermex, for comprehensive packaging equipment solutions
Cermex expands its know-how with the manufacture of slat lane dividers
Since the start of 2011, Cermex has expanded its range of packaging solutions with the 100% in-house manufacture of slat lane dividers, enhancing its overall expertise in end-of-line equipment. The gamble has paid off: in just a few months, orders have been placed for about 20 machines.
A new edge for Cermex on its markets
This new step forward means that Cermex is now capable of covering all of its customers’ needs with slat lane dividers made by its own teams rather than purchased externally.
Cermex now has the possibility of supplying its new range of lane dividers as standalone machines as well as offering its customers more complete end-of-line equipment.
Industrial customers are well aware of the technical convergence that this expansion of the product range generates. First of all, this is because modules designed and manufactured in the same plant benefit from the same management process for lead times and quality: everything is simpler and more flexible. Second, the rationalization of components helps to optimize parts management throughout the machine’s life cycle.
Lane dividing: A critical step in packaging line operation
Lane dividing is a solution for forming batches of primary products prior to case packing/shrink-wrapping or batches of packs or cases prior to palletizing. Lane dividers are designed to divert, distribute, sort, balance or collate primary or secondary packaging in preparation for the subsequent stage in the production line.
The speed and efficiency of a shrink-wrapper, case packer or palletizer depend on the way products or batches are prepared. By adding this range of slat lane dividers to its manufacturing, Cermex can now exert greater control on the synergy between its machines and upstream operations.
Implementing an industrial process dedicated to lane dividing
Cermex has therefore chosen to propose the “slat” technology from design to manufacture, via the creation of a specific unit with a product manager and a dedicated team of technicians who are specially trained in assembling these modules.
Prior to integration in the industrial process, the lane dividers were the subject of a full program by Cermex: 3D development, modular architecture approach and industrialization/rationalization. In very little time, the Cermex slat lane divider offer was positioned at a price and quality level in line with market expectations. Thanks to its ease of maintenance, the Cermex slat lane divider has also received positive feedback from the first customers who have accepted delivery.
The initial results are very positive, with about 20 machines ordered in the past 10 months.