Product category:
Food Processing News
News Release from: Marco | Subject: Monexco
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 09 July 2007
Seasoning plant success for Marco in
Thailand
A module within the innovative Marco Trac-IT MES factory floor solution, plus powder handling equipment from Matcon, are installed at the new Monexco automated seasonings plant in Thailand
The project, which was completed at the beginning of 2007, is the first carried out under the umbrella of the strategic alliance between Marco and powder handling specialists Matcon Matcon were responsible for the supply of all the process equipment with the exception of the mixers and packers, whilst Marco software brings important traceability, control and visibility to the operation
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 1 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Trac-IT MES (Manufacturing Execution System) is a blend of 'operational specific' software modules, which are then customised to meet the exacting demands for each part of the manufacturing process, including traceability, recipe management, analysis, scheduling, stock control and management.
Fitting between the factory floor control systems at one end of the spectrum and business systems at the other, the Trac-IT MES layer effectively controls the 'who, what, where and when' of such operations by analysing and responding to factory floor data in real time.
The four storey plant is designed to receive and store a range of powdered raw materials, formulate the ingredients into batches and then mix them in a high speed mixer.
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Leading fruit packer benefits from Marco Packhouse
A comprehensive Trac-IT MES Packhouse Solution is bringing significant benefits to a dedicated packhouse in the Richard Hochfeld fruit packing, grading and storage facility in Faversham, Kent
The mixed product is then taken to the finished packaging hall, for packing into sachets, which are included in the company range of consumer-ready bowls of noodles.
Raw materials arrive via a variety of modes including road tanker, IBCs and sacks.
Ingredient batch quantities vary from a few grams, to over a hundred kilograms and the plant has been designed to operate 24 hours a day with a throughput rate of seven batches per hour.
Ever-changing consumer requirements necessitate optimum plant flexibility so that formulation changes can be rapidly introduced.
To meet these demands, the complete manufacturing process is based around mobile bins utilising the Matcon Vari-stroke Cone Valve technology, which allows both minor and major ingredients to be formulated into an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC).
This enables the fast and accurate direct dosing of products from silos or IBCs, without the need for secondary feeders.
(Secondary feeders would be slow and would not allow rapid formulation changeovers, without extensive cleaning to prevent ingredient cross contamination).
A growing number of manufacturers such as Monexco have turned to IBC batch production as an alternative to fixed conveying and formulation equipment.
This method of production, known as Parallel Processing, allows each discrete operation to run at maximum efficiency and ensures that down-time is kept to a minimum.
Marco MD Murray Hilborne is clear on the advantages of his company's encompassing Trac-IT MES solution and as he concludes: "We are showing time and time again that significant gains can be made by manufacturers in a diverse range of industries, typically without having to revolutionise their manufacturing processes.
The Trac-IT MES layer uses existing data that's often ignored or under-utilised, to provide a constant measure-control-improve environment where traceability comes as standard.
By exploiting Trac-IT MES software, our customers are increasing operational efficiency, reducing cycle times, eliminating data entry errors, whilst improving quality and customer service.
Our alliance with Matcon ensures customers receive the best solution for their particular application, utilising the two companies' unsurpassed expertise and experience".
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