KRUP s.r.o., based in Nitra, Slovakia, distributes rice, legumes, and other pulses to retailers across Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Hungary. Seeking to improve its quality control capabilities for its packing operation, KRUP approached Ishida for a solution, which led to the installation of two Ishida DACS-GN-SE Performance-Line checkweighers.
The checkweighers are operating across two packing lines in two 12-hour shifts, five days a week, processing approximately 50 tonnes of product per shift for a variety of pack sizes from 200g to 1kg.
A critical benefit of the DACS-GN-SE checkweighers is their ability to switch quickly and easily between a wide range of weight tolerances, the permitted lower and upper limits for specified target weights.
Under current European weighing instruments legislation, pack weight tolerances are regulated on a national basis, meaning that there is a huge variation not only across national borders but also within individual countries – as some retailers are requesting their own weight tolerances.
Thanks to the agility provided by the checkweigher’s clear displays and customizable pre-sets, KRUP can easily navigate these complex requirements. The Ishida checkweighers are also compliant with all relevant European weights and measures directives, including MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) approval.
These benefits, as well as the checkweighers’ quick cleaning features, enable KRUP to carry out its frequent product changeovers, four per shift on average, with minimum downtime.
“The Ishida checkweighers help us meet the challenge posed by such wide variations in pack weight requirements, helping us ensure that we remain a reliable supplier,” said Peter Grochola, Managing Director at KRUP.
Another notable benefit of the DACS checkweighers is their seamless communication with machinery upstream through Ishida’s Feedback Control software. This allows filling equipment to promptly respond to variations in actual product weights, streamlining adjustments and enhancing overall production efficiency and reliability.
Ishida’s Service Contracts, which offer 24/7 technical support, and a dedicated spare parts service for CEE were also hugely important for KRUP as Peter Grochola explained: “It’s not just about the price, the quality of aftercare and the service provided is an essential component to any equipment purchase.
“Production downtime is extremely costly and knowing that spare parts and service support are never far away, is vital for us. Just as an example, we needed a belt replaced and Ishida was able to deliver a replacement part the next day, demonstrating how we can really rely on Ishida.”
Karel Šmakal, Area Sales Manager at Ishida said: “One of our key values is that we are a partner, not just a supplier. Food manufacturing businesses can be especially vulnerable to disruption, and we therefore ensure that we provide reliable, high-performance systems alongside an excellent support service.”
