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Westfalia Technologies offical publicationsatellitethe

Westfalia Technologies offical publication

What’s Driving Automation p.7

Westfalia DEAM p.9

The Future of Parking p. 2The Future of Parking p. 2

www.WestfaliaUSA.com

What’s Driving Automation p. 7

Westfalia DEAM p. 9

www.WestfaliaUSA.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEfrom the desk of Dan Labell

Whether a product or service, quality is the cornerstone of every business and should always be emphasized during every business relationship. Everyone is always talking about quality but some loose sight of the true meaning of quality.

Typically, when we talk quality, it means making a product or service to meet a set standard or specification. This results in placing the customer as the secondary focus and the product/service offered as the primary. Quality is what the customer expects from the product and service purchased.

At Westfalia, quality directly correlates with customer satisfaction. The focus is put back on the customer’s satisfaction associated with using our product and services offered. Our customers expect excellence and we strive to meet these expectations throughout the project.

At Westfalia quality means maximizing customer satisfaction ensuring the following characteristics are met:• Our customers are satisfied with our systems and service.• The products and services offered are safe and reliable. • The customer receives an economical value from the products and services offered.• On-time delivery.• Our customer support is polite, quick and responsive.• Environmentally friendly.• Ethically sound business practices.

Problems always arise during complicated, large scale projects. How we respond to those problems, and ultimately solve them, drives the final perception of quality.

WESTFALIA- A holistic approach to quality

from the desk of Dan Labell CONTENTSTHE FUTURE OF PARKING: page 2‘Smart Parking Technology’

IN THE NEWS: Packers Plus Energy Services page 3Westfalia energizes Packers Plus with AS/RS technology

PRODUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARD page 4Award given to Westfalia customer, UMPQUA Dairy

CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK: page 5Highlights what we practice all year long

IN THE NEWS: AUTOMATION page 7What’s driving automation in the 21st century?

WESTFALIA DEAM pages 9-10Empty case De-palletizing systemWestfalia hires new Senior Sales Representative

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW page 11Join Westfalia in Chicago, IL

An official publication of Westfalia Technologies Inc.Volume 1. Issue 3

The future of parking- The future of parking-

‘Smart parking technology’

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According to a new report from Navigant Research, “nearly 1 million smart parking spaces will be enabled worldwide by 2020”. This research report examines the evolution of ‘smart parking technologies.’ These technologies are “increasing operational efficiency and customer expectations, and place new perspectives on the role of parking within cities,” according to Eric Woods, research director, Navigant Research.

But what are ‘smart parking technologies’? Smart parking technologies include everything from vehicle sensors, parking automation, wireless communications and data analytics tools. Smart parking technologies provide customers with certainty, certainty of parking availability, easy payment options and a safe and secure environment.

As the number of cars on the road grows, finding a parking space is becoming increasingly difficult both on street and off. In urban areas, where parking should be particularly secure and inexpensive, the search for a parking space is becoming an exhaustive and nerve-wrecking experience.

Westfalia’s CarSafe® Automated Parking Systems ease these frustrations for the consumer as well as parking management and operations through the maximization of parking space using ‘smart parking technologies.’ Through the use of an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), something that is popular in the material handling industry, parking and retrieving the vehicle is simple, providing the user the utmost comfort and ease with uncompressing security.

The actual parking process runs automatically after the driver and passengers leave the vehicle. Once sensors have verified the entry cabin is empty of occupants, the vehicle is moved and parked via the automated parking system. All movement of vehicles within the system are controlled by Westfalia’s Savanna.NET® software. This software can even determine a customer’s parking pattern, and uses this information to move cars closer to the exit lift at the appropriate time.

Every journey is connected with a destination, such as a workplace, shopping center, or home. Once a destination has been reached, every car needs a parking space. Utilizing ‘smart parking technology’ such as Westfalia’s CarSafe® Automated Parking Systems, brings operational efficiency and customer convenience to a new level.

‘Smart parking technology’

The future of parking- The future of parking-

CASE

Westfalia energizes Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. with AS/RS technology

Fully equipped AS/RS allows for quick response to customers

ackers Plus Energy Services Inc., the innovator of open-hole multi-stage fracture stimulation systems for the oil and gas industry, recently opened its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Edmonton, Alberta fully equipped with Westfalia

Technologies’ Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). This high-density AS/RS provides Packers Plus with the technology and automation to run their largest manufacturing facility worldwide, with room for expansion.

One of the first of its kind in the world, Packers Plus’ MX Manufactur-ing Centre is dedicated to the production and storage of purchased and work-in-process (WIP) products, supporting operations worldwide. Utilizing Westfalia’s AS/RS, the MX Manufacturing Centre will store up to 6,000 loads of work-in-process materials to support the company’s quick response to customers.

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“The MX Manufacturing Centre, in conjunction with the Packers Plus Houston Manufacturing Center, provides product for all Packers Plus operations worldwide and has the capability to increase production dramatically in order to meet the demand of all Packers Plus customers,” says Dan Themig, president and CEO.

Westfalia’s high-density AS/RS with freestanding rack configuration stores 5,994 pallet rack positions, utilizing two Storage/Retrieval Machines (S/RM’s) in two aisles. With 12 storage levels the AS/RS stores pallet loads up to three pallets deep on all levels, with inbound and outbound product staged on conveyors that are integrated into the rack structure at the head of the aisles. Unique to this installation are three additional side outfeeds that deliver product just-in-time to the robotic manufacturing cells.

Calculating the size of the load and determining the required space for the load – which can vary from 37 inches to 100 inches – maximizes the utilization. The system then stores these multiple loads of varying sizes within 2” of each other, regardless of load size dimension. Westfalia’s Savanna.NET® Warehouse Management System (WMS) acts as the communication hub for the successful operation of the AS/RS, managing material flow, order management, lane space calculations and KPI reporting for the manufacturing center. “Our MX manufacturing process provides the ability to determine the source of materials traced back to the mill of origin for any component of any tool worldwide,” says Marlon Leggott, Packers Plus director of manufacturing.

Westfalia customer UMPQUA Dairy, awarded the

Production Excellence Award

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mpqua Dairy Products, Co. got its start in 1931 and has grown into a large company that manufactures and packages products like ice cream, fresh dairy products, orange juice and

fruit drinks. Recently the company was awarded the 2013 Production Excellence Award, being named the “best single production plant in the Quality Chekd membership”.

Quality Chekd has spent 60 years helping dairy processors get the “Blue Q. Red Chek” which is awarded after a facility passes multiple tests. Each year Quality Chekd awards a member for being the best plant within the organization by presenting them with the Production Excellence Award. A plant audit, evaluation of all plant processes and systems along with monthly laboratory test scores were evaluated to obtain the award. This award indicates superior performance in finished product quality, plant appearance, cleanliness, efficiency, overall management leadership, and process control.

According to Peter Horvath, president of Quality Chekd, “Competition among our members for the Production Excellence Award is intense, as each aspires to achieve and maintain superior standards of quality as a matter of everyday operation.”

Ensuring facilities are kept clean and up-to-date is a foremost concern for dairies. The Umpqua facility includes Westfalia Deam System’s case packing equipment, constructed out of stainless steel and designed for full wash-down capability, making this a perfect addition to uphold the cleanliness of the facility.

Westfalia customer UMPQUA Dairy, awarded the

Production Excellence Award

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hat is customer service? Customer service is more than helping a customer; it is the interaction and bond created between the

employee and the customer. Customer service is taking the extra time to listen, exceeding the expectations of the customer and ensuring the customer is completely satisfied.

This year, customer service week fell on October 7th to the 11th. Customer service week is an international event providing an opportunity to honor the people who support customers and recognize the importance of customer service.

When President Bush named the first week of October to be National Customer Service Week in 1992 he stated, “A business will do a better job of providing high quality goods and services by listening to its employees and by empowering them with opportunities to make a difference. Customer service professionals work in the front lines where a firm meets its customers; where supply meets demand. With responsive policies and procedures and with simple courtesy, customer service professionals can go a long way toward ensuring customer satisfaction and eliciting the next round of orders and purchases.”

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Customer service week highlights what we practice all year long!

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Within the Westfalia organization, our employees are focused each and every day on our clients and their needs. As active partners with each client we are vested in their success. From the first stages of planning, each system we design is unique, to ideally meet the requirements of each job. Every stage of the project (design, manufacturing, installation, testing, training, commissioning and maintenance/service) leads to an individual concept using standard and proven tools. Our expertise in each area enables us to work closely with the clients’ decision makers and planners to create one-of-a-kind, higher-level systems that are distinctive and exceptional.

“Because of this strong customer service belief, we always enter into an intensive partner-oriented plan with our customers’ decision-makers, and planners,” explains Dan Labell, president.

Customer service week (cont.)

After installation our dedication and support continues with our team of technically-trained technicians that are available to assist the client with minimizing downtime and maintaining the system for years of reliable operation.

According to Chris Mercier, service support lead, “We don’t just sell systems we sell the satisfaction of knowing that at any point you need help, we will be here when you need us.”

Outstanding customer service is an integral part of what we do each day, so for Westfalia, customer service is more than just a week long commitment.

What’s driving automation

in the 21st century?

Today’s savvy consumer places high demand on manufacturers for product variety, lower prices and fully stocked shelves. With constantly evolving shopping habits, consumers are forcing manufacturers to reconfigure their “behind-the-scenes brand” - driving automation in a consumer demand-driven market.

According to Material Handling and Logistics (MH&L) magazine[1], the following trends are driving automation causing manufacturers to design Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) to increase accuracy, storage capacity, safety and throughput, while decreasing product damage, and operational costs.

1. InjuriesPrimarily handling heavy loads, food and beverage manufacturers and distribution centers primarily handle heavy which tend to be heavy, especially when a worker handles case loads for an entire shift. Injuries can be devastat-ing to the health of workers, not to mention medical and absentee costs.

2. Need for speed and accuracyDue to market demands, orders must be processed, picked and shipped with increasing speed. Accuracy in order fulfillment is vital to operational excellence, with the increasing demand placed on speed, picking errors can occur leading to customer dissatisfaction and high costs.

3. Spikes in throughputSeasonal increases in throughput rates require the addition of seasonal labor.

4. Growth of slow moving SKUsAs SKU proliferation and volume increases, so does pressure to accommodate slow movers more efficiently.

5. Real-time controlManagers need to know exactly where every item is located in the distribution center or warehouse as well as the ongoing status of the order fulfillment process.

6. Harsh working environmentsFreezer storage often requires subzero temperatures. Legal restrictions require workers to be exposed to freezer environments for only limited periods of time. This increases costs in an already high-turnover environment. Freezer space also is costly to build and maintain, so solutions that minimize freezer space are ideal.

[1] MH&L Staff. (2009). Automation: 12 Trends Driving Automation. Material Handling & Logistics Magazine. January 2009.

7. Space utilizationThere are increasing demands to “use the cube”—provide more productivity in less space. That means new food distribution centers have to provide more throughput in a smaller building footprint.

8. Store readyFood retailers have had to reduce in store labor and the time it takes to restock shelves with product. This trend is forcing distributors to ship store-ready product. Items must arrive at stores presorted and grouped by product family.

9. Multiformat retailingRetailers are operating numerous store formats in an effort to target consumer demographics. This requires fulfillment systems with greater flexibility to meet significantly different order profiles.

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What’s driving automation (cont.)

10. Reduced/green packagingEnvironmental awareness affects the cost, type and quantity of packaging and packing material used in the supply chain. Distributors are moving away from roller conveying and toward all-belt conveying to accommodate less-robust packaging as well as small and irregularly shaped items.

11. RFID integrationThe transition to RFID labeling of pallets, cases and items affects the methods by which product is received, put away, picked and shipped.

12. Transportation costsRising oil prices are driving stricter fleet management and more streamlined warehouse operations. Warehouse control software with order management functions are optimizing order consolidation and trailer loading for better density.

Westfalia DEAM Systems’ compact plastic case de-palletizing system de-palletizes three to four dairy pallets (40” x 40”) per minute, each with nine stacks of empty plastic dairy cases, for a maximum throughput rate of 240 cases per minute. Capable of handling stacks palletized, unitized, or a combination of both, the de-palletizer utilizes a clamp and lift technology unlike a stack pusher typical of other de-palletizing systems. This clamp and lift technology maintains full stack control, eliminating stack tipping, which is a major concern for users. All components of the system are constructed of stainless steel making this compact case de-palletizing system suited for wash-down environments found in the dairy, beverage and bakery industries where uniform plastic case stacks are handled.

This de-palletizing clamping technology clamps the stacks from the side and discharges the empty pallet to an automatic pallet stacker. The side clamps are then released and the stacks are placed onto chain conveyors. These stacks then travel to a 3-to-1-merge zone and are single lane released to de-stacking units capable of handling 12 stacks per minute.

With its modular construction this de-palletizing system can be installed quickly and easily into existing empty case receiving areas. Its compact design utilizes a smaller footprint (approximately 10’ x 15’), saving space for other dairy needs. The Allen Bradley PLC controls offer Ethernet connectivity and a color HMI (Human Machine Interface) touch screen to provide operators with the latest operating data including diagnostics and error messaging with the entire system rated for wash down.

The de-palletizing system handles 16-quart plastic cases on a typical 40” x 40” dairy pallet. With 16-quart cases stacked in a 3 x 3 pattern on a pallet, 27 plus stack groups can be de-palletized per minute. For dairies handling only unitized loads, a reduced system with only the chain conveyors, the 3-to-1-merge unit, and the de-stacker would be required. The system is protected with a surround safety fence with light curtains on pallet entry points, stack discharge and empty pallet discharge.

As with all Westfalia products, the empty case de-palletizing system is thoroughly tested with Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) before shipping and installation at a client’s facility with the system guaranteed to perform to specifications.

Empty Case De-Palletizing System from Westfalia DEAM

De-Palletizes over 3 pallets of empty cases per minute

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Greg began his career at Cannon as a machine designer, progressing into various engineering roles including project management and technical sales. His engineering background enabled him to develop effective material handling solutions for his dairy customers.

Fred Beer, president of Westfalia DEAM Systems, says Juetten is a perfect fit for Westfalia, stating, “With his extensive industry and equipment knowledge, Greg is a valuable addition to our technical sales team, helping us to provide the best-in-class innovative solutions for our dairy and beverage customers in the U.S. and Canada.”

Westfalia hires Greg Juetten as senior sales representative for Westfalia DEAM Systems.

Westfalia Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the recent hire of Greg Juetten, who will join the Westfalia DEAM Systems team as a senior sales representative. His focus will be on developing key relationships within the dairy and beverage industries leveraging his experience with case packing and handling systems.

Juetten comes to Westfalia with over 30 years of experience in materials handing with Cannon Equipment, where he acquired an extensive knowledge of the dairy industry’s materials handing needs.

“I have worked in the material handling industry in engineering, design and direct sales for many years. I enjoy helping my customers find solutions to their material handling needs,” says Juetten.

JOIN WESTFALIA AT THE INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW

www.WestfaliaUSA.com

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Palletizer

November 3-6, 2013 | McCormick Place | Chicago,IL

With innovation at its core, the International Dairy Show — the premier event for dairy, food and beverage processors — offers attendees resources needed to stay current on regulatory mandates, nutrition and flavor trends, and breakthrough technology in the marketplace.

You’ll leave with new solutions and contacts to help your plant improve operations and profitability.

Bring your team to booth 1952 to learn from our knowledgeable staff about the solution that’s right for you!

Register now for free HERE! www.westfaliausa.com/dairyshow

JOIN WESTFALIA AT THE INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW

JOIN WESTFALIA AT THE INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW

www.WestfaliaUSA.com

Westfalia Technologies Inc.3655 Sandhurst DriveYork, PA 17406

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