Case Studies
Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH
Automating the art of distillation with a safe and efficient palletizing solution
500 cartons
handled per hour
8 kg
boxes to palletize
15 types
of cartons to move
About Eckerts
Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH is a family-run distillery specializing in the production of top-quality spirits for a wide range of customers. Renowned for its mastery of distillation, Eckerts combines traditional techniques with modern innovation to produce high-quality aromatic beverages. Based in Germany, the company prides itself on its meticulous production standards, using locally sourced ingredients to guarantee exceptional flavors. With a focus on sustainable practices and authentic craftsmanship, Eckerts has earned a reputation as a reliable partner in the spirits industry, maintaining its heritage while adapting to the demands of its customers.
Step 1 - Box dimensions, weight and orientation
Step 1 - Box dimensions, weight and orientation
Step 1 - Box dimensions, weight and orientation
The Problem
Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH wanted to simplify its operations and reduce personnel costs, but the automation of its palletizing process presented difficulties. Their customer's cardboard boxes were exceptionally heavy and structurally weak, making the idea of efficient automation difficult. In addition, Eckerts was concerned about safety, workspace constraints and potential learning curves for employees, making the implementation of robotics on the shop floor skeptical.
The Solution
To solve these problems, Eckerts collaborated with Robotiq for a proof of concept. They sent their heaviest, most difficult-to-handle boxes to Robotiq's Lyon office, where the Palletizing Solution was tested and validated. Once the test had been successfully completed, Robotiq provided full on-site training, ensuring that Eckerts' employees could operate the system autonomously. The robot's open installation, with no safety enclosures, enabled maximum space to be conserved on the shop floor, while guaranteeing automated safety stops when workers approached the machine.
Convincing wins.
Robotiq’s palletizing cobot brought benefits on many levels:
- Improved efficiency: The automated solution seamlessly handled heavy loads, reducing manual workload and operational costs.
- Rapid adoption: Employees were able to use the cobot with confidence the day after training, demonstrating a user-friendly design.
- Increased safety: The system helped maintain a safe environment, with automatic stops ensuring that no accidents occurred.
The Robotiq solution
Palletizing
The Robotiq Palletizing Solution has transformed operations at Eckerts Wacholder Brennerei GmbH, increasing efficiency and eliminating the physically demanding task of manual palletizing. This automation has streamlined the packaging process while maximizing production space on the shop floor. Its open design ensures safe interaction, making it ideal for daily use close to employees, and it handles even the heaviest boxes with ease, improving overall productivity.