miniPAL+ Enables New Palletizing Opportunity
Bob's Red Mill, the historic whole grain manufacturer, looked for many years to use collaborative robots for palletizing tasks, but had not found a solution meeting the speed, payload, or reach requirements until the release of the the miniPAL+ featuring the UR20 cobot from Universal Robots.
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After 17 Years, Brian Hutton, is Retiring
Columbia/Okura LLC announces that after more than 17 years leading the company, Brian Hutton, President, has decided to retire effective August 18, 2023.
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Automation Barrett Petfood’s Facility
To increase capacity on their production lines and improve efficiency, Barrett Petfood Innovations purchased an Ai1800, Columbia/Okura’s top-of-the-line robotic palletizer and are running it as fast as they can to keep up with demand.
Bob’s Red Mill Case Study
Columbia/Okura has been working with Bob's Red Mill since 2017, initially with a relatively simple system, moving into a two-line system for their 40lb flour case line in 2019. The most significant benefits the team has realized since introducing automation has been improved safety and the flexibility of the lines for their extensive product range. Read more about their automation journey in the case study.
Robots enable value-added packaging at Michigan Sugar Company
The Sebewaing facility is one of four operated by Michigan Sugar. Approximately 925,000 tons of sugarbeets are processed annually at this location, with an average daily slice of about 5,400 tons. Each year, the factory produces about 260 million pounds of sugar, along with 12,000 tons of dried beet pulp, 130,000 tons of pressed pulp, and 36,000 tons of molasses. To package its sugar, the plant operates three bagging lines that together produce 150 bags/min.
Updated miniPAL® – Greater Payload & Added Safety
Columbia/Okura LLC has recently upgraded their miniPAL® with the enhanced UR10e cobot arm by Universal Robots, increasing the payload to 12.5 kg (27.55 lbs) as well as replacing pressure sensitive safety mats with area safety scanners. This solution creates new possibilities with heavier payloads.