tna achieves 400% capacity increase for US-based Mister Bee Potato Chips
tna remote support systems have helped Mister Bee. Pic: tna
tna has reported a notable success with a project installation for Mister Bee Potato Chips snacking business in the US, which has reportedly achieved a 400% increase in production capacity since upgrading its equipment lines, writes Neill Barston.
According to the Australian headquartered company, its partnership with the crisp manufacture is enabling it to ‘revolutionise its production’ and achieve its core goals through redesigning its facilities and installing key new machinery.
The project involved optimising manufacturing at the Mister Bee core site in West Virgina, which has enable a 400% capacity increase under its new operational set-up. It involved working closely with Mister Bee’s operations manager, with tna’s engineers identified critical process improvements and proposed a tailored solution.
In addition, the collaboration began with the meticulous redesign of the manufacturing space leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Microsoft’s Hololens. This step ensured that the revamped facility was optimised for efficiency and productivity ahead of its integration measures.
Once the space was mapped out, the installation of the TNA robag 3ci, a state-of-the-art vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system, followed. Equipped with the rotary double jaw and patented stripper tube closer, the robag 3ci is capable of ultra-high speeds up to 150 bags per minute (bpm). The inclusion of TNA’s patented auto connect and unload assist technology streamlined operations. It facilitated seamless changeovers with minimal manpower, further improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Mary Anne Ketelsen, president of Mister Bee, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Previous machinery could only run 20-25 bpm, whereas now with my new TNA machines, I can run 100-115 bpm. A very big upgrade.”
Furthermore, TNA’s turnkey, end-to-end, single source approach means the company stands by every element, and this was demonstrated by its swift action in rectifying a small design defect during the integration process. Welders were promptly dispatched at TNA’s expense to ensure the optimal functioning of the machinery, leaving Mary Anne Ketelsen and her team impressed by TNA’s dedication to their success.