Automation roadmap accelerates packing efficiency at Morrisons fresh-produce operations
01 February 2023
Packing automation success is all in the planning. Embarking on a mission to reconfigure its fresh-produce packing hall at Thrapston, the Morrisons Centre of Excellence – which prepares and delivers 130 million packs of fruit every year to 82 stores – has succeeded in its automation ambition.
Brillopak supported Thrapston at every phase of the five-year programme. It installed 11 fully integrated fresh-produce packing lines, comprising around 40 machines, with equipment and capital investments split across three defined phases.
Rather than piecemeal different technologies together, Thrapston’s Site Manager at the time, Matthew Peczek, sought a cohesive automation investment approach to increase efficiency, achieve packing consistency, and optimise produce quality.
Deciding to redevelop the factory layout in 2017, Peczek was resolute that all machinery would be designed and placed linearly, with everything coming from the chillers and out to the back end for distribution, in one continuous flow. His linear vision has since been realised. Now, every part of the line faces in the same direction throughout the packing hall.
Read the full article in DPA's February issue
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