IBC - Intermediate Bulk Container, also called GRV - Grand Recipient Vrac, is one of the core businesses of SOTRALENTZ.
The group recently invested 6 M€ to improve not only the quality of its IBCs, but also its production capacities.
Quality IBCs
SOTRALENTZ has challenged and worked on all the components and raw material that are used in manufacturing an IBC with the aim of maintaining the highest level of quality and reliability of its packaging, while ensuring good competitiveness. The group has also reworked its production line located at its Drulingen (67) site to increase productivity. A new line, inaugurated in April 2009, was set up there. It required an investment of more than 6 million Euros.Seven robots for a productivity growth by 40%
The new production line of the IBCs is based on automation of tasks, which guarantee better productivity, by about 40%. All the operations, except one, are now robotised, like unwinding of the wire used for manufacturing the metallic cage, handling the pockets and the palettes, welding the valve, or even the stacking of the finished IBCs before loading in the trucks. Only the fixing of the cage on various palettes (wood, plastic or metal) is still left in the expert hands of the operators. A study is underway to entrust this last job to a robot. In all, at least 7 robots are in-charge of manufacturing the entire range of SLX containers for the following operations:
● Loading of metallic components in the folding machine and welding of cages, then unloading the assembled cage.
● Unloading the cage on exit from the paint chamber.
● Feeding the finished cage and the palettes on the assembly chain.
● Assembling the stamp plates on the IBC's structure.
● Supplying and welding valves on the pocket.
● Laying and welding the upper conducting plate (IBC UNEX version).
● Inserting protective shells (IBC UN version).
● Inserting pocket in the structure.
● Affixing the cross bars, cover and the ring nut.
The assumed BFP for controlled hygiene IBCs
Moreover, the IBCs are manufactured with good manufacturing and hygiene practices drafted by the ELIPSO board. With this aim the assembling part is isolated from the manufacture and finishing of the cages, which are sources of particle production. The IBCs made on this new line are completely suitable for contact with food products, given the optimal level of cleanliness as can be demanded by the food industry.
