Neptek commissions cutting-edge automated packaging system in South African maize mill
The system employs highly accurate load cells to ensure each bag is filled to precise weights, minimizing product waste and ensuring uniformity.
SOUTH AFRICA – Neptek, a leader in end-of-line automation solutions, has successfully commissioned a fully automated weighing, bagging, and palletising system at a leading maize milling facility in South Africa, marking a major leap in operational efficiency and product quality for the sector.
The new system, designed for granular agricultural products, has been developed to serve a wide range of commodities, including maize meal and grits, with the flexibility to meet both retail and bulk distribution needs.
Its installation represents a significant advancement for the mill, allowing it to operate with greater versatility and scale.
According to the company, the system employs precision weighing technology, which employs advanced load cells to ensure uniform and accurate filling of every bag. This reduces product losses and upholds consistency, an essential factor for maintaining customer trust and product standards.
The line also brings versatile bagging options, handling different packaging sizes and materials, from woven polypropylene to paper and polyethylene. This adaptability enables producers to respond swiftly to changing customer and market demands.
A high-speed robotic palletising unit further enhances output by stacking filled bags with accuracy and stability. This reduces reliance on manual handling, improves warehouse efficiency, and supports faster distribution.
All processes are linked through an integrated Human-Machine Interface (HMI), giving operators real-time visibility and control over the entire line. This feature helps reduce downtime, boosts productivity, and empowers operators with better decision-making tools.
The company reports that the results of this commissioning are already visible. Production throughput has risen significantly, with packaging completed faster and more reliably than before.
The automation has also lowered the need for manual labour in repetitive packaging tasks, improving workplace safety while reducing operating costs.
Consistent filling and precision stacking have also enhanced the appearance and quality of packaged products, strengthening the mill’s reputation in the market.
In addition, the system’s modular design allows for easy scaling, ensuring the mill can grow its product range without encountering future operational bottlenecks.
“The solution Neptek has provided has truly transformed our packaging operations. We are now able to meet increasing demand with greater speed, accuracy, and reliability all while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,” said the Operations Manager at the maize mill.
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