Food Union Automates Kārums Curd Snack Packaging with New Robotic System
Source: DairyNews.today
Food Union, Latvia’s leading dairy and ice cream producer, has implemented a major automation project at Rīgas Piena Kombināts, focused on modernizing the packaging process for its Kārums curd snacks.
This €2.2 million investment aims to enhance efficiency across its dairy and ice cream production facilities. The newly installed robotic system, specifically designed for packaging curd snacks, will soon be expanded to the company’s fresh dairy and ice cream production lines, with full automation expected by the end of the year.
Artūrs Čirjevskis, Head of Food Union in Latvia and Europe, highlighted the operational improvements, stating, “Food production is evolving to be faster, easier, smarter, and more productive. Previously, a physically demanding role required three workers per shift for pallet stacking. Now, a single robot, supported by an operator and automation technician, can efficiently handle this task, palletizing 900 boxes of cheese per hour and lifting up to 180 kg.” Čirjevskis also noted that this shift towards automation is creating roles that are more technically challenging and attractive to workers.
As part of this initiative, Food Union has introduced three advanced packaging machines with the support of the Rural Support Service. The Ice Cream Competence Center now benefits from a €1.41 million automated ice cream packaging system. Additionally, the Fresh Dairy Center of Excellence was upgraded with a €550,000 curd snack packaging line and a €390,000 cream cheese packaging line. Installation of the new equipment is underway, with the first units operational in the Kārums curd snack facility.
These advancements are projected to boost productivity at Food Union, paving the way for increased exports of its signature products, including ice cream, curd snacks, and cream cheese. Through this strategic automation, Food Union aims to solidify its position in international markets while also driving greater efficiency in its Latvian facilities.
Artūrs Čirjevskis, Head of Food Union in Latvia and Europe, highlighted the operational improvements, stating, “Food production is evolving to be faster, easier, smarter, and more productive. Previously, a physically demanding role required three workers per shift for pallet stacking. Now, a single robot, supported by an operator and automation technician, can efficiently handle this task, palletizing 900 boxes of cheese per hour and lifting up to 180 kg.” Čirjevskis also noted that this shift towards automation is creating roles that are more technically challenging and attractive to workers.
As part of this initiative, Food Union has introduced three advanced packaging machines with the support of the Rural Support Service. The Ice Cream Competence Center now benefits from a €1.41 million automated ice cream packaging system. Additionally, the Fresh Dairy Center of Excellence was upgraded with a €550,000 curd snack packaging line and a €390,000 cream cheese packaging line. Installation of the new equipment is underway, with the first units operational in the Kārums curd snack facility.
These advancements are projected to boost productivity at Food Union, paving the way for increased exports of its signature products, including ice cream, curd snacks, and cream cheese. Through this strategic automation, Food Union aims to solidify its position in international markets while also driving greater efficiency in its Latvian facilities.
