Huhtamaki: Major system replacement

Huhtamaki based in Sacramento, CA had an issue with a 25 year old vertical material lift they used to transfer pallets from manufacturing to the storage area. It was an extremely large unit and required constant maintenance. In addition, the Plastic Stretch Wrapper was causing some issues along with some old-style conveyor.

Huhtamaki reached out to FloStor and inquired about replacing the lift and possibly upgrading the system controls. They had spoken with an elevator company local to the area and were given a proposal that far exceeded their budget.

FloStor and Veritiv, a FloStor partner had a series of meetings with the customer. They developed a plan of action to replace the system in three stages, The first stage was to replace the stretch wrapper and upper floor conveyor. A new LanTech stretch wrap unit was provided that had a state-of-the-art control system they were looking for. Different pallet loads required different wraps and tensions.

The second stage was to replace the downstairs conveyor with a new Hytrol EZ-Logic Zero-Pressure Pallet Handling Accumulation conveyor to alleviate the old-style accumulation that had lost the ability to separate the loads at the end of run.

The third stage was the most difficult. FloStor had to remove the existing vertical lift which was welded in place without disturbing the structure surrounding it and at the same time, remove all the materials. The drive unit sat on top of the structure, and it was welded in place with a large 25HP electric motor. FloStor was able to dismantle and remove the system in 4 days, and then start the assembly of a new PFlow Mechanical 4-post lift designed to accept a new powered conveyor top.

Total of 3 weeks from start to finish, with a full electrical setup, control panel and control system. All with upgraded safety systems.

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