Victoria-based rigid plastic container company Class Plastics has used government funding to buy high-speed blow mould machines and install both a robot on a fuel can line and an automation cell that includes leak detection.
Class Plastics was given $1.8 million towards factory improvements and developments as part of the Victorian government's Investing in Manufacturing Technology grant.
Director Daniel Carapellotti said the two new high-speed blow mould machines have increased overall productivity by up to 50 per cent, with the added benefit of power saving and automated labelling.
A Sawyer robot on a fuel can line now assists in performing high repetition tasks, freeing employees up to focus on tasks like quality control.
“Our latest project, which is still a work in progress, is the installation of an automation cell that includes leak detection, automatic bung and dust cap fitting, conveying to a central location, and packing items onto pallets,” Carapellotti said.
“There is also an automated feed system of resin into machine hoppers.
“We expect to see materials handling improvement, less forklift use, less floor space required for raw materials, and a greater space for finished product.
“ This project is due to be completed by November this year, resulting in minimal manual handling and increased safety performance.”
Carapellotti is pleased Class Plastics has a greater ability to upscale production capacity in line with its expected growth plans.
“Not only are we passionate about our staff, but also Australian businesses, so with this project we outsourced to Australia-based companies – one in engineering consulting and one in fabrication of equipment.”
The installation of a Power Factor Correction unit also enabled the plant to use power more efficiently by up to 25 per cent.
