The food industry, governed by strict hygienic requirements, is constantly seeking machinery that upholds high health and safety standards, all the while producing identical high quality, products throughout the high-volume orders it receives. Bosch Rexroth’s VarioFlow S chain conveyor systems fulfill these strict requirements.

It is because of this product innovation that Unilever’s ice cream and frozen foods production facility in Gloucester uses seven VarioFlow S chain conveyor systems to connect the individual machines in the Magnum packaging line, where the ice creams are safely packed in their outside cartons.

“We wanted a system we could assemble and install ourselves, simply and quickly, as well as produce high product quality and good value for money,” explains Unilever’s Steve Cunliffe.

Bosch Rexroth’s VarioFlow S chain conveyor system fulfills these requirements as the linear arrangement of the system, with few drives, is not only maintenance-free, but is also very flexible. Additionally the chain surfaces are almost entirely free of gaps and the open profiles used on the VarioFlow S guarantee easy cleaning which is ideal for the food and beverage industry.

The solution also includes Bosch Rexroth’s MTpro projection software which makes project planning work possible without a CAD system as it comes in seven different languages. The assembly function works simply by drag-and-drop and, once the planning work has been completed, a 3-D animation projects a realistic view of the complete unit.

“Time savings during planning stages, the intuitive user interface, and wide-ranging planning options certainly speak in favour of MTpro,” says Steve Cunliffe.
Deliveries to Unilever consisted of complete assembly groups, pre-configured exactly to specifications and the system was erected in less than five weeks. “The combination of high-performance products, expertise, and the excellent service Bosch Rexroth rendered during the entire process – all this confirmed that we had made exactly the right choice,” concludes Cunliffe.

Bosch Rexroth is locally represented by Tectra Automation, a member of the Hytec Group of Companies.

Rexroth’s VarioFlow S chain conveyor system is specially modified to meet the strict hygiene standards in the food processing industry.

Enquiries: Greg Calder
Linear Motion and Assembly Technology - Divisional Manager
Tectra Automation (Pty) Ltd
PO Box 3874, Edenvale, 1610
Tel: +27 (011) 971 9400
Fax: +27 (011) 971 9440