HAN-TEK Announces Robotic Case Palletizing system

Distribution center realizes 70 percent labor savings and improved throughput

(VICTOR, N.Y., Sept. 28, 2004) – HAN-TEK, Inc., has announced a custom Robotic Case Palletizing system that slashes labor costs and minimizes product damage while improving efficiency and throughput at a distribution center handling household appliances. The HAN-TEK solution relies on a robot, conveyors and custom controls to move, sort and wrap different-size boxes using fewer laborers than required for a manual operation.

“HAN-TEK’s customer had identified numerous inefficiencies in its distribution center,” says Todd VandeSande, vice president of HAN-TEK. “Configuring boxes efficiently on pallets was slow and error-filled. The customer was having difficulty retaining trained laborers, and because workers had to stack boxes up to 9 feet high, ergonomic issues created further concerns.”

Working with a team of suppliers, HAN-TEK developed a Robotic Case Palletizing solution projected to pay for itself in 12 months. Key to the HAN-TEK solution are PLCs and software tailored by HAN-TEK that, when provided the specs of a given order, automatically determine the most efficient box configuration.

Further, the HAN-TEK Robotic Case Palletizing system can work 24/7, staging boxes with consistent speed and virtually eliminating product-handling damage. With two lines running, the HAN-TEK system can palletize 1,440 boxes per hour or 11,520 per eight-hour shift.

Designed for flexibility, the HAN-TEK solution currently handles 140 different configurations and can be easily programmed to accept new products in different-size boxes. The system is also equipped to verify the size of each box to ensure it meets the specs of the product being palletized, and to divert any out-of-spec boxes so as not to disrupt product flow.

HAN-TEK, Inc., customizes advanced automation technology to develop and optimize turnkey manufacturing-assembly and product-distribution systems for customers in a variety of industries. Founded in 1961, HAN-TEK specializes in cranes, conveyors and systems automation.

For more information about the Robotic Case Palletizing solution or other custom HAN-TEK applications, call 800-836-0237