CASE STUDY: Douglas Machine Inc. Provides Dairy with Quicker Speeds and Gentler Handling

Douglas Machine Inc. detailed in a compelling press release its integrated solution designed and created for an iconic dairy brand that has been part of the American grocery landscape since before the civil war. This brand was the first company to develop a patent for the process of condensing milk as well as the first company to use glass milk bottles.

Douglas is a global provider of automated secondary packaging solutions for paperboard, corrugated and shrink film. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of case and tray packers, shrink wrap systems, cartoners, sleevers, multipackers and palletizers.

Douglas’ partnership included consultation on package design and custom line layout before designing, building and installing the case packer, palletizer and conveyance.

Its integrated solution included an Axiom® IM Dual Paddle Loader Case Packer along with a Stratum™ Palletizing System.

According to Almir Gezo, Project Manager for Douglas Machine Inc., these machines were integrated with conveyance for feed/surge control based on specific plant layouts. The platforms were designed to accommodate 123 ppm for the half-gallon and 99 ppm for the one-gallon products. These product rates are based on customer request and do not necessarily represent limitations of the equipment. Delicate product handling helps minimizes product waste while maintaining high efficiency. The flow of the product is not exposed to abrupt motions that would potentially damage the product.

Ultimately, the system transfers gallon and half-gallon jugs of milk into wraparound cases versus pick and place or drop loading into bliss or RSC cases.

The solution I sin place now at the diary which produces more than 500 million gallons of milk annually for customers in the grocery, mass market, club, food service, hospitality, school and convenience store channels.