Nedpack - Vertical Conveyors, Case Lift, Product Elevator

2012-03-15 Nedpack introduces space-saving buffer system

Machine manufacturer Nedpack is launching a new vertical buffer system. The system was developed based on the Prorunner mk5, Nedpack's successful product elevator. The main advantage of this buffer system is its use of space. A traditional, accumulating roller conveyor will often require a large number of running metres, while the Prorunner mk5 only needs a few square metres.

The Prorunner mk5 is a compact, flexible, and durable product elevator that works on the principle of a paternoster. By adding additional product carriers, the machine cannot only be used to bridge height differences but also for product buffering.

The possible applications are endless. Consider for example a production process where products need some time to cool or dry before the next processing step can take place, or an end-of-line packaging process where the buffer system can be used as an accumulation system for a palletiser. Different products from different production lines can be temporarily 'parked' in this system until enough identical products have been collected to fill a pallet. These identical products can then be transported in the direction of the palletiser in one go.

The buffer system can be used in warehouses to consolidate orders from different storage areas. This system also allows you to park bins containing fast-moving products near order picking stations rather than having to transport them all the way to the storage system after each pick.

Connecting in a series

The capacity of a buffer system depends on the number of product carriers that a machine can hold. That number is in turn determined by the available height and the height of the products. In situations where height is limited, several Prorunners can be connected in a series. The product elevators are then coupled by means of roller conveyors, where the outfeed conveyor of the first elevator serves as the infeed conveyor of the next elevator.

The Prorunner mk5 is not only extremely compact but also extremely versatile. Products can be fed in and out in three directions without any additional provisions. Whether it's boxes, crates, trays, or bags: thanks to the paternoster principle all products remain in a completely horizontal position and can be fed in and out without any critical product transitions. Product deformations are therefore virtually excluded.

Durable

Thanks to the minimal number of moving parts, and the enclosed drive system the Prorunner mk5 offers unprecedented durability. The selected drive system also generates less friction, therefore considerably reducing energy consumption. Because the system keeps itself in balance and the only weight to be factored in is the product to be transported, the system can be operated at a low motor capacity, resulting in a considerable saving in comparison to other elevator systems.

Transporting bad or damaged products does not affect the quality of the elevator system. The products are furthermore kept outside of the drive system, therefore ruling out the possibility of product contamination. Its modular construction also makes the system highly flexible and means that it is easily integrated. Partly for these reasons, many OEMs, system integrators, and manufacturers of transport systems use the Prorunner product conveyors by Nedpack.

2011-07-08 Compact solution for vertical sorting

Based on the best-selling product elevator the Prorunner mk5, Nedpack has now also developed a solution for vertical sorting. This vertical sorter can transport products to any required level depending on the content. The main advantage of this solution is the small amount of space it requires.

The Prorunner mk5 is an extremely compact solution for vertically sorting between different floors in a warehouse or distribution centre. Whether you need to transport a container or box from the 3rd to the 2nd floor or from the 1st to the 3rd: the Prorunner mk5 can pick the product up from and transport it to any desired level.

The Prorunner mk5 is a versatile and flexible product elevator combined with an intelligent control system. Even before the sorter picks up a container or a box, the bar code or RFID tag on the product is automatically scanned. The control software assigns the product to an empty product carrier and chooses the appropriate infeed point. The same software then ensures that the product is transported to the correct level by manipulating the rollers or string belts of the corresponding outfeed carrier between the forks of the product carrier at the right moment.

Saving space

With the Prorunner mk5 it is not only possible to sort from one infeed destination to multiple outfeed destinations, but also from multiple infeed destinations to multiple outfeed destinations. Complex systems with rising conveyor belts, bends and outfeed belts on each floor are therefore not required. An additional advantage is the saving of space. The Prorunner mk5 occupies the space of a simple product elevator, no more and no less. Investment costs are similar to those of a product elevator and are therefore very low.

Modular construction

The Prorunner mk5 has a modular structure. In order to increase capacity you can simply add more product carriers; 2,000 movements per hour is easily achievable.

Thanks to its patented design, all products remain in an upright position during the entire circulation so that product deformations are excluded. In addition, the Prorunner mk5 extremely flexible. Products can be fed in and out in three directions without having to make any changes to the construction. The input and output direction can even be varied per floor.

The standard version is suitable for containers and boxes of 600 x 400 mm with a maximum weight of 100 kilograms. For larger loads, Nedpack has developed an XL version that can manage loads of up to 900 x 900 mm.

Durable

Thanks to the minimal number of moving parts and the enclosed drive system, the Prorunner mk5 offers unprecedented durability. The selected drive system also generates less friction, therefore considerably reducing energy consumption. As a result of the fact that the system keeps itself in balance and the only weight to be factored in is the product to be transported, the system can be operated at a low motor capacity, resulting in a considerable saving in comparison to other elevator systems.

The products are furthermore kept outside of the drive system, therefore ruling out the possibility of any product contamination. Its modular construction also makes the system highly flexible and means that it is easily integrated. Nedpack vertical conveyors meet the most stringent hygiene requirements and also come in stainless steel.

About Nedpack

Nedpack is one of the leading players in the market for end-of-line packaging systems. As a manufacturer of palletisers and product elevators and as a supplier of professional services, Nedpack distinguishes itself with a contemporary vision and approach, in which innovation, quality and added value are of paramount importance.

2011-07-09 Nedpack introduces extra large version of successful product elevator

The Prorunner MK5 is now also suitable for vertical transport of large secondary packaging. The XL version of this product elevator effortlessly lifts boxes or bins of 900 x 900 mm to any desired level. The Prorunner mk5 is Nedpack's response to the growing demand for product elevators in the logistics sector.

The Prorunner mk5 is already being successfully deployed across Europe. This versatile and competitively priced product elevator is also being shown at the Interpack fair in Düsseldof. The Prorunner mk5 is used not only in production but also in logistics environments. Take for example vertical transport of bulk inventory for the replenishment of pick locations on different floors.

The logistics sector, however, makes extensive use of secondary packaging that is too large for the standard version of the Prorunner mk5. Think, for instance, of large transport boxes of clothing, shoes or other products. Therefore, Nedpack has now developed an XL version. The Prorunner MK5 XL is equipped with product carriers that can handle packages with dimensions of 900 x 900 mm and weighing 100 kg. By comparison, the standard version of the product elevator can lift packaging of up to 600 x 400 mm.

Fast and versatile

The XL version has exactly the same benefits as the standard version of the Prorunner mk5. The XL version, too, offers the speed and capacity of a continuous product elevator, for the price of a discontinuous product elevator. The capacity of the Prorunner mk5 XL is 2,000 products per hour. The elevator offers unprecedented flexibility. Unlike other continuous product elevators, products can be fed in and out in three directions by the Prorunner mk5 without the need for additional facilities.

Despite the larger product carriers, the Prorunner mk5 XL remains extremely compact. The XL version is only 300 mm wider than the standard version and thus still takes up very little space.

The Prorunner mk5 XL is furthermore remarkably versatile and safe. Besides boxes, the elevator can also lift crates, trays or bags. All products remain in an upright position, so that product deformations are excluded. What's more, one single elevator system is used for both upward and downward product flows. The Prorunner mk5 XL is even suitable as a vertical sorter.

Durable

Thanks to the minimal number of moving parts and the enclosed drive system, the Prorunner mk5 XL offers unprecedented durability. The selected drive system also generates less friction, therefore considerably reducing energy consumption. As a result of the fact that the system keeps itself in balance and the only weight to be factored in is the product to be transported, the system can be operated at a low motor capacity, resulting in a considerable saving in comparison to other elevator systems.

The products are furthermore kept outside of the drive system, therefore ruling out the possibility of any product contamination. Its modular construction also makes the system highly flexible and means that it is easily integrated. Nedpack vertical conveyors meet the most stringent hygiene requirements and also come in stainless steel.

2011.04.19 Nedpack wins Business Award Harderwijk

On Monday evening, April 18, Pieter Hannessen was chosen as Entrepreneur of the Year of the municipality of Harderwijk. The jury praised the ambition of the "packaging freak" Hannessen. "Nedpack is always enthusiastically looking for the most efficient packaging method which respects the environment. Nedpack is a highly ambitious company with a rising turnover as a result", said the jury's report.

The award ceremony took place during the Business Event of the municipality of Harderwijk, on Monday evening, April 18, in the Van der Valk hotel in Harderwijk, and was hosted by presenter Humberto Tan. In the absence of director Pieter Hannessen, the prize was awarded to Arjan Kruidhof of Nedpack by the Mayor of Harderwijk, John Berends.

Kruidhof made it clear to Humberto Tan what the ambitions of Nedpack are: to become the world leader in the field of product elevators. "Our company has undergone enormous growth over the past year and a half. We are now established all over Europe and have recently started in North America, and even have customers in Brazil and Nigeria.

Putting Harderwijk on the map

During the presentation of the award, Mayor Berends wished Nedpack "good luck with your ambition to place Harderwijk firmly on the world map with your company's great products". Kruidhof called the award a fantastic recognition of the commitment, ambition and creativity of Pieter and Wilma Hannessen.

"When we were faced with the crisis in 2008, Pieter assumed the role of leader and said: we are going to continue to develop this product. It was a choice that perhaps wasn't that obvious at the time, but during the past year and a half we have thankfully been reaping the rewards of this decision. We are doing amazingly well and can barely keep up. This award is really a recognition for this", said Kruidhof.

Unique product elevator

The product Nedpack is presently attracting worldwide attention with is its unique product elevator, the Prorunner mk5. The continuous development of this product elevator has led to a machine that - due to its modular design - is versatile, easy to maintain, as well as competitively priced. Customers from all over the world are presently ordering the Prorunner mk5 for use in their production or packaging lines or storage and order picking systems.

Thanks to this success, two weeks ago, director and founder Pieter Hannessen was nominated for the title of Entrepreneur of the Year of the town of Harderwijk. Nedpack was nominated in the category Industry / Services, along with the companies, Natudis and TopClean. The jury led by notary Eric de Yonge ultimately chose Nedpack.

Previous Awards

Nedpack has already won awards in the past. On May 25, 2005, Nedpack was chosen as the company with the best strategy at the Metaalunie StrategieAward (Royal Dutch Metal Union, Strategy Award). Nout Wellink, President of De Nederlandsche Bank, presented Nedpack with the award and a check for 5,000 euros.

Furthermore, on January 6, 2006, Nedpack General Manager Pieter Hannessen also received the Linnaeus Medal. This award was presented at the joint New Year's meeting of regional businesses in the Northwest Veluwe, various business clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) and the Netherlands Society for Industry and Trade, for Hannessen's work as an exceptional entrepreneur who represents the vitality of the region.

About Nedpack

Nedpack is one of the leading players in the market for end-of-line packaging systems. As a manufacturer of palletisers and product elevators and a supplier of professional services, Nedpack distinguishes itself with a contemporary vision and approach, in which innovation, quality and added value are of paramount importance. Please visit www.nedpack.com for more information.