The Challenge
Scaling Palletizing Throughput While Minimizing Labor in a Multi-Case Environment
Manual palletizing operations were limiting throughput and tying up valuable floor workers. The automation needed to:
- Handle multiple case sizes and pallet patterns using one robotic system
- Achieve high case-per-minute throughput without frequent changeovers
- Fit into the existing facility without major infrastructure changes
MWES stepped in to deliver a drop-in palletizing solution that would relieve staffing constraints and improve efficiency.
The Solution
Installed Drop-In Palletizer with Dynamic Vacuum EOAT & Pattern-Based Layering
MWES engineered a turnkey cell including:
- Allen-Bradley PLC with HMI recipe control
- FANUC M410iB robot with vacuum end-of-arm tooling capable of picking full case rows
- ARB (activated roller belt) to form case rows lining up for picks
- PD1000 automated pallet dispenser and slip-sheet placement between layers
- Integrated stretch wrapping to finish pallet units automatically
This standard system enables quick deployment and flexible handling of diverse case formats using automated row-based picks and pallet pattern control.
Summary: The MWES Standard Palletizer Cell provides fast, flexible, multi-format palletizing in a small footprint—ready to plug into an existing operations line quickly.
The Results
High Throughput, Low Labor Requirements & Minimal Footprint
The implemented system delivered:
- Palletizing performance of up to 15 cases per minute without tooling changes
- Single operator supervision across multiple shifts
- Seamless switching between varied case and pallet formats using recipe control
- Space savings over manual pallet building areas thanks to compact design
By combining vacuum-based case picking, automatic pallet dispensing, and recipe-driven layering, MWES enabled scalable palletizing with minimal labor and maximum production reliability.
