A drinks manufacturer in Ireland has upgraded its factory operations by installing a vertical conveyor from Qimarox. The Prorunner mk5 now moves beverage packaging from the production floor to higher levels, where further processing takes place. The system was delivered and installed by Noreside Engineering, Qimarox’s local partner in Ireland. The upgrade has improved product flow, reduced risk on the factory floor, and increased overall efficiency.
Rising demand led the manufacturer to increase production output, which placed strain on existing handling processes. Vertical transport became a key issue. Cardboard boxes were moved between levels by hand and with forklifts, which slowed production, caused delays, and created safety concerns.
The company required a durable vertical transport solution that could connect with its current conveyor lines and meet food production standards. Qimarox worked with Noreside Engineering to meet this need. Noreside managed the local project design and installation, while Qimarox supplied the vertical transport equipment.
Compact system with high throughput
Noreside designed and installed a stainless steel conveyor system as part of the final packaging line. The system carries packaged products from the production floor to upper levels, where boxes are processed further and prepared for palletising. At the centre of this setup is the Prorunner mk5 from Qimarox.
The Prorunner mk5 provides continuous vertical movement with high capacity in a small footprint. It operates with low energy use and requires limited maintenance. Its modular design allowed Noreside to integrate it directly into the wider conveyor system, creating a stable link between production levels.
The modular layout also allows the system to expand if output increases in the future. All parts are made from stainless steel and meet Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as well as European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group standards, making the solution suitable for food production environments.
Significant improvements
Manufacturers around the world use the Prorunner mk5 for their vertical transport challenges in high-volume environments. In this project, this proven solution from Qimarox was selected for several reasons:
- It moves packaging of various shapes and sizes, from boxes to crates.
- It enables continuous high-capacity transport.
- It saves valuable floor space thanks to compact design.
- It consumes little energy, requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan.
Since the installation, the Irish drinks manufacturer’s operations have significantly improved in several areas:
- Greater flow without stagnation during vertical transport.
- Safer working environment by reducing manual work.
- Compliant with GMP and EHEDG standards due to hygienic design in stainless steel.
- Optimal use of space compared to the use of forklifts.
The end result is an improved final packaging process with a smooth flow of goods from the packaging machine through to the distribution process, taking the beverage manufacturer’s supply chain performance to the next level.
More about Noreside Engineering
Noreside Engineering is based in Kilkenny, an Irish city halfway between Dublin and Cork. The company has more than thirty years of experience in the construction of stainless steel platforms, conveyors and automation systems. The main focus is on production companies that have to meet strict requirements, such as in food, beverages and pharmaceuticals. Noreside offers support throughout the entire life cycle of installations, from design and implementation to maintenance and overhaul.
With its focus on hygienic design, the company is an ideal partner for Qimarox. By combining Qimarox’s proven technology with Noreside’s expertise in designing conveyor systems that comply with applicable laws and regulations, Irish businesses can operate more safely, efficiently, hygienically, and reliably.