Smith’s SEMP project use conveyor system from Dematic
Smith’s new multi-pack
Smith’s Space Efficient Multi-Pack (SEMP) is a project that achieves the goals of the marketing, engineering and manufacturing departments, it also manages to deliver a host of supply chain benefits at the same time.
The multi-pack concept has become a strong family favourite in Australia over the past decade, with a wide variety of snackfoods, such as chips, cookies and crackers, now available in multi-packs.
However, the large volume of multi-packs makes them expensive to handle and transport, a lot of air is handled and shipped through the supply chain. The bulky nature of the multi-packs means they also take up a lot of shelf space in retail outlets.
To create clear product differentiation in an increasingly crowded market segment and reduce manufacturing and supply chain costs, Smith’s developed the Space Efficient Multi-Pack (SEMP). The multi-million dollar project involved the design and installation of a robotic packaging system and associated materials handling systems at Smith’s Tingalpa Production Plant in Brisbane.
The SEMP Project team included Smith’s engineering consultant Shandon Projects and technology partners International Packaging Systems (robotic packaging line), Cermex (case packers) and Dematic , which supplied the conveyor system that interlinks various parts of the operation.
The project has delivered Smith’s wide-ranging benefits including: Improved presentation, clear product differentiation and shelf ready. The goal of the SEMP project was to help reinvigorate sales in the highly competitive multi-pack arena, with the new SEMP cartons providing a clear point of differentiation for Smith’s on crowded supermarket shelves.
The retailer can also fit more products in the same area as before, and the new shipper pack, which contains six SEMP cartons, is shelf-ready for those retailers who wish to use the format.
21-Nov-2008