Optimised soft fruit packing: meet manual and dynamic lines by Milbor PMC

In response to ongoing challenges faced by the soft fruit sector, Milbor PMC has engineered two innovative solutions: manual and dynamic packing systems. These lines aim to improve efficiency, reduce labour costs, and enhance the accuracy and speed of packaging operations. Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, these lines are especially effective for companies processing over 150 tonnes of fruit per season. 

Who are these systems for? 

Both packing lines cater to a broad range of food products, not just soft fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries. They are also suitable for packing vine tomatoes, mushrooms, meat, fish, salads, and ready meals. 

Manual packaging line

The manual packing line is ideal for products that require careful sorting or products on the vine. This line allows for detailed manual inspection and adjustment of packaging weights. Punnets filled in the field are placed on a three-deck conveyor, where they are inspected by operators at weighing stations. Each station includes a built-in scale used to ensure that packages meet the target weight — neither underweight nor overweight. 

Once a punnet’s weight is adjusted, it is moved to the next conveyor deck for further processing, which may include sealing, labelling etc. One of the major advantages of the manual line is its flexibility. The design, size, and components of the system can be customised based on the specific needs and layout of the investor’s facility. 

Dynamic (semi-automatic) packing line: compact and efficient

The dynamic packing line is a more automated option, ideal for products that require minimal sorting, repacking or top-accurate weight control. It is especially useful in facilities where space is limited. 

After manual pre-weighing in the field, the fruit-filled punnets enter the dynamic system, where they first pass through a checkweigher to assess their actual weight. Based on the results, a 3-lane conveyor equipped with a diverter directs each punnet to one of three paths: 

Path A: Correctly weighed punnets proceed to the next packing stage. 

Path B: Underweight punnets go to an operator who adds more fruit. 

Path C: Overweight punnets are directed to an operator who removes the excess fruit. 

Once adjustments are made, all packages go through Path A for the final processing steps. Like the manual line, the

Shared advantages of both systems

Despite their differences, both systems offer a range of important benefits: 

-Higher productivity: Businesses report up to 30% more efficiency, allowing them to do more work with fewer people and lower labour costs. 

-Improved weighing accuracy: This leads to significant financial savings by preventing product giveaway — estimated up to €70,000 per season. 

-Ergonomic and operator-friendly: The systems are designed to improve working conditions, leading to better employee satisfaction and retention. 

-Customisable and modular: The design of each line can be tailored to specific operational needs, ensuring maximum usability and value. 

-Durable construction: High-quality materials and engineering ensure long-term reliability and minimal maintenance. 

-Responsive technical support: Milbor PMC provides quick and professional service in case of equipment issues, minimizing downtime. 

Software integration: Libra

Beyond physical equipment, Milbor PMC offers the user-friendly software platform - Libra that enhances both the manual and dynamic lines. Libra supports production management through: 

-Real-time performance monitoring 

-Detailed reporting and analytics 

-Faster product changeovers 

-Simplified staff management 

-Reduced paperwork and administrative overhead 

Customers praise Libra for its intuitive interface and versatility, which help streamline operations and provide data-driven insights for better decision-making. 

To arrange a free consultation with a fruit packing expert from Milbor PMC, follow the webpage.