Packaging line for the food industry

for small chocolate productsfor food productsautomatic

Overview Typically Swiss: tradition, reliability, pragmatism. Chocolat Frey AG (Buchs, Aargau) produces around 2,400 different articles and is an independent subsidiary of the Migros cooperative society since 1950. Frey’s Napolitains are in strong international demand; production was expanded with a space‑saving and efficient packaging solution to handle very high throughput: around 4,000 Napolitains have to be picked, packaged, and made ready for dispatch per minute.

Short and sweet

• 16 hours of operations per day
• Larger casting system resulted in a new packaging line using LRM‑S machines
• Four LRM‑S twin‑lane fold‑wrapping machines plus buffer and conveying systems
• 4 × 1,050 Napolitains packed in coated OPP film per minute (per machine)

High performance packaging system The available space at the Chocolat Frey plant was limited; LoeschPack implemented a modular system design using four LRM‑S twin‑lane fold‑wrapping machines combined with buffer and conveying systems. The modular approach ensures the line achieves the required throughput while keeping the footprint low, suitable for confectionery, biscuits, wafers and chocolate products.

Innovative feeding system with counter molds Feeding poured and cooled Napolitains to the packaging machines required a solution that minimizes faults with small products and is compact. A counter‑mold transport system was implemented: special 2‑axis transfer robots with vacuum chucks pick Napolitains out of the counter molds and place them on the feeder of the packaging machines in rows and precisely positioned, enabling continuous efficient packaging at full line capacity.

Buffer stations for efficiency The line includes storage and buffer systems to handle temporary downtimes (e.g., film tears, product breakage, technical issues). One buffer station stacks full counter molds; a second buffer stores empty counter molds. This minimizes intermediate storage needs, optimizes logistics, improves reliability, and ensures easy accessibility for daily operation.

Smooth cooperation between project partners Partnership‑based cooperation of project teams enabled planning, implementation and start of production. Packaging films used at the customer are produced sustainably and meet high standards. The system provides online access for diagnostics, maintenance, data analysis and optimization.

LRM‑S Compact twin‑lane fold‑wrapping machine used in the system as the primary machine type — designed for space‑saving operation and high throughput.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Brand: LoeschPack
• Product example: Chocolat Frey packaging line (system solution)
• Product type: Packaging line for Napolitains (petit chocolat Suisse)
• Primary machine model in line: LRM‑S (twin‑lane fold‑wrapping machine) — 4 units
• Throughput (per machine): 1,050 Napolitains packed in coated OPP film per minute
• Total stated pick/package requirement (page text): approx. 4,000 Napolitains per minute
• Feeding system: counter‑mold transport with 2‑axis transfer robots and vacuum chucks (places products in rows, precisely positioned)
• Buffering: buffer station for stacked counter molds and separate buffer for empty counter molds
• Film type: coated OPP film (used for packing Napolitains)
• Design priorities: modular design, space‑saving footprint, high speeds, reliable running, easy accessibility, optimized logistics
• Operation: designed for continuous operation (typical use: 16 h/day)
• Support: online access for diagnostics, maintenance, data analysis and optimization