Bulk, portion-control, lightweight, flexible and additional packaging innovations have placed a strain on production equipment such as palletizers. To adapt to the ever-expanding list of package options, conventional, hybrid and robotic palletizers as well as complementary technology have been developed that can adjust to the various demands of a production facility. Whether SKU proliferation is spurring requests for quick changeovers, lower speeds, variety packs or mixed pallet loads, equipment manufacturers are heeding the call.
Quick changeover times are a must for operations that are accommodating more package sizes, types and flavors, says Ted Yeigh, sales director for Columbia Machine Inc., Vancouver, Wash. He notes that SKU proliferation often is compounded by the desire to conduct shorter production runs and stock lower amounts in inventory.