End-of-line automation for the agri-food sector

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The challenge

In a fruit packhouse, the end of the line is the stretch where the product is ready and only needs packing: filling the basket to the right weight, closing it, identifying it and sending it on to the next stage. When each of those steps depends on a person, every seasonal peak or shift change shows in the pace, and every extra handling step is one more chance to bruise the fruit.

The aim of this project was clear: reduce handling, keep production running continuously and leave the product ready for its next stage, with a continuous, efficient and reliable process.

The MARFONT solution

MARFONT, the machinery division of Fontanet Group, designed a line that links every stage, from the automatic filling of the baskets to their passage through the REK 140 netting machine. This is what you see in the video:

1. Fruit infeed. Conveyors and a slatted elevator carry the fruit to the filling area without anyone having to load it by hand.
2. Filling hoppers with checkweighing. The hoppers dose the fruit into each basket and the checkweigher makes sure each one leaves with what it should contain.
3. Netting with the REK 140. The full basket enters the automatic netting machine, which wraps it in net and closes it in series.
4. Labelling. Each basket leaves identified, ready for traceability and for the customer.
5. Outfeed to the next stage. The finished baskets continue along the line, ready for dispatch.

The result

• A continuous process: filling, weighing, netting and labelling work as a single line.
• Less handling of the fruit between infeed and outfeed.
• Controlled weight in every basket, without relying on manual checks.
• Continuous production, even at seasonal peaks.
• Product closed, identified and ready for its next stage.

Equipment and consumables in this project

The filling hoppers, checkweighing and labelling are sized for each project according to the product and the pack. You can see the full range in the MARFONT machinery catalogue.

Frequently asked questions