How Freighter Group’s TRUMPF Smart Factory transformation saved its business
Discover how MaxiTRANS turned the brink of shutdown into a Smart Factory success—transforming challenges into a competitive edge with the power of smart manufacturing.
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In the world of logistics and packaging, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline their production processes, increase efficiency, and meet sustainability goals. For Georg Utz AG, a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced containers for internal and external logistics, the challenge was clear: they needed a customised technology solution capable of handling complex production steps, optimising energy consumption, and incorporating a high percentage of recycled materials. Seeking to overcome these hurdles, the company turned to KraussMaffei, a trusted provider of cutting-edge machinery, for a solution that could enhance its operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The result was installing the MX 4000-75000 injection moulding machine.
About Georg Utz AG: Georg Utz AG, headquartered in Bremgarten, Switzerland, is a key member of the Utz Group, creating and manufacturing suitable, sustainable reusable logistics packaging and technical parts made from plastic for over 70 years. Together with customers worldwide, they develop customised, customer-specific packaging solutions for automated and digitised logistics processes. As a leading innovator in the field of logistics and packaging, the company specialises in the development of advanced containers for both internal and external logistics, with a strong commitment to sustainability and process optimisation. Operating globally through its sophisticated manufacturing technologies and high-quality products, Georg Utz AG continues to set industry standards for precision and innovation. More about Georg Utz AG
Georg Utz AG faced several operational challenges in its pursuit of enhancing the efficiency of its automated production processes. The need to manufacture boxes, pallets, and paloxes, which can weigh up to 50 kg, posed difficulties due to the intricate process steps required within each cycle time. Additionally, the company sought to improve its energy efficiency and increase the percentage of recycled materials used in its products. To achieve these goals, Georg Utz AG needed to optimise production volumes while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.
To meet these demands, Georg Utz AG introduced the KraussMaffei MX 4000-75000 injection moulding machine, which is now the largest of its kind in Switzerland. The MX 4000-75000 offers an impressive clamping force of 40,000 kN, enabling the production of a wide range of products, including pallets, boxes, and paloxes, weighing up to 50 kg. The machine is designed for energy-efficient operations, with advanced features like the APCplus system, which helps optimise the use of recycled materials and reduces waste.
A key aspect of the solution was the implementation of sophisticated two-story automation, which facilitates complex processes such as the application of IML barcodes, RFIDs, and logos, as well as post-moulding processing and partial quality control. With large Z-axes measuring 12 meters in length, the automation system provides a large working radius, further enhancing the efficiency of the production process.
The MX 4000-75000 machine was integrated into Georg Utz’s existing operations seamlessly, significantly improving production capacity. The implementation process included configuring the machine to handle multiple materials such as polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which are essential for producing durable logistics containers. The integration of digital products like DataXplorer and APCplus has further optimised production processes by reducing scrap and ensuring higher consistency in product quality.
In addition to boosting production volume, the system also enabled the company to incorporate a higher percentage of recycled material into their products, contributing to their sustainability objectives. The use of the MX 4000-75000 has also resulted in fewer defects, with the system’s automation ensuring precise control over each production step.
The introduction of the MX 4000-75000 has allowed Georg Utz AG to achieve the following key benefits:
Andreas Schlegel, Head of Operations and Member of the Management Board at Georg Utz AG, shared the company’s satisfaction with KraussMaffei’s products and services:
“We scrutinise machine suppliers about their technical standards, service quality, and price. It’s important to us that the machine consistently runs well and that help comes quickly if we do have any problems. We are very satisfied with KraussMaffei in this regard.”
The installation of the KraussMaffei MX 4000-75000 injection moulding machine at Georg Utz AG has been a game-changer for the company, allowing them to meet their demanding production needs while improving sustainability and energy efficiency. With enhanced automation, reduced scrap, and increased capacity for recycling, Georg Utz AG is now better positioned to serve the logistics and packaging market with high-quality, environmentally responsible products.
Contact our KraussMaffei experts to discuss how we can help you stay ahead in the evolving logistics and packaging landscape.
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