Robotmation has delivered robotic cells to Jospak, a food packaging manufacturer, to simplify the boxing of products. The boxing concept was new but proved successful. Thanks to a new factory building and the modern production line implemented there, the company has been able to streamline production and increase capacity.
About Jospak
Based in Forssa, Jospak Oy has been producing recyclable and gas-tight fiber-based food packaging for industry and retail since 2014. The products contain up to 85% less plastic and result in significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to the plastic trays commonly used in the food industry. Jospak’s packaging is suitable for meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and ready meals.
The company also develops the technology required to manufacture its packaging products. The Jospak® tray combines the best features of fiber-based material and plastic, thereby minimizing both packaging and food waste. Sustainability and the green transition are global trends here to stay across all industries, including food production. Jospak meets this demand both in Finland and abroad.
In 2022, Jospak built a new production facility in Forssa. The modern premises better serve the company’s growth needs and enable more efficient production operations. Jospak ordered a customized packaging automation line from Robotmation, which included boxing robot cells and a conveyor system. The goal was to streamline the boxing of products destined for customers.
“Over 90% of our products are exported. The Jospak® tray solution has also received international recognition, and there is strong global interest in both our product and our company,” says Jari Vuorinen, Technology Manager at Jospak.
“The robots pack the products into boxes and place the filled boxes onto pallets, from where they continue forward as ready-to-ship packages,” Vuorinen summarizes.
Robotics Significantly Improved the Overall Process
The main challenge of the project was to find a way to automatically group and transfer tall stacks of trays into cardboard boxes. This was solved by using two KUKA industrial robots supplied by Robotmation, working together in coordination. The implemented robotics have enhanced Jospak’s overall factory process and accelerated product packaging. Tasks that previously required extensive manual work can now be performed more quickly by machines, enabling higher production volumes.
The boxing concept implemented by Robotmation was new, but the outcome was highly successful. The significant investment proved worthwhile, and order volumes can now be further increased. Jospak also plans to rely on Robotmation in the near future as it continues to develop its palletizing processes.
“We have been able to reassign staff from physically demanding routine work to more meaningful tasks, such as operating and monitoring the machines. Robotics have allowed us to improve working conditions at the factory,” says Jari Vuorinen.
“There will certainly be continued cooperation in the future to further develop the factory environment into an even more efficient operation,” Vuorinen adds.
