An integrated weighing and tray sealing solution from Ishida Europe has enabled a Spanish fish processor to double throughput on one of its key product lines.
The recently installed line at Gambastar, based in Burgos, northern Spain, comprises a 16-head Ishida CCW-RVE waterproof multihead weigher, QX-1100 automatic twin lane tray sealer and DACS-G checkweigher to weigh and pack fresh langoustines into one of three tray sizes ranging from 200g to 1kg.
By replacing its previous linear weigher with the Ishida multihead, Gambastar has been able to increase line speeds from around 35 to 70 packs per minute, to within 2% of target weight on a typical 520g tray.
The Ishida line was supplied by the company’s long-term partner in Spain, CIMA. “We have been delighted with the performance and reliability of the line since it was installed,” said Carlos Pineda, Gambastar’s production manager. “We also very pleased to have localised support on hand through CIMA,” he added.
The QX-1100 tray sealer has a single tool regardless of pack size, reducing the time taken for changeovers, and an intelligent control system which includes auto-set features and servo-drives for consistent tray handling at high speeds.
The DACS-G checkweigher features a digital loadcell that is able to operate with great reliability in harsh environments and can easily switch between weighing capacities and graduations.
Gambastar produces around 9,000 tonnes of seafood per year under the Gambafresh brand as well as for a private label. Around 60% is consumed in Spain with the rest exported throughout Europe.
