Freezer Spacer Removal Automation

We’ve completed multiple similar projects for various companies, from end-users like meat and poultry producers to the cold storage facilities that support them. Over time, we’ve seen many independent cold storage companies create state-of-the-art showcase facilities to win more business. 

One of the main benefits of implementing automation in a cold storage facility is that it addresses two major industry challenges: labor and energy. By investing in automated solutions, cold storage facilities can lower these costs and increase profit. 

The Challenge

We worked with both Cold Point Logistics and Agile Cold Storage, leading privately held cold chain logistics providers, to build, implement and install systems that would stage pallet loads coming out of the freezer, then convey onto the loading dock and bring the load directly into our pallet spacer recovery system. From the standpoints of safety and space utilization, reducing the number of touches and moves throughout the facility is extremely important.

Both companies also wanted to eliminate forklift movements between the two areas. Quickly transitioning from deep freezer temperatures of minus 30 degrees to QFR freezer temperatures of minus 10 degrees to normal, long-term freezer storage wreaks havoc on electronics and products. In turn, forklift maintenance requirements and related costs increase.

Our Solutions

To minimize energy, labor and maintenance costs, we started by reducing forklift use to loading and unloading the systems in specific areas. We developed conveyor systems that transport the frozen product with freezer spacers from the QFR through a high-speed door and onto the de-space area on the loading dock, with a custom flow to fit each client’s building size and shape.

The product then travels along several staging conveyors and into the pallet spacer recovery system. In the semi-automatic PSR, the product is secured, tipped 90 degrees and a powered skate table positions the boxes to help the operator pull the spacers out. After freezer spacer removal, the machine then automatically tips up, unclamps the load and discharges the product onto exit conveyors. 

In the case of Cold Point Logistics, once the product leaves the spacer recovery system, conveyors transport it directly into a stretch wrapper where it automatically secures the film and stretch wraps the loads. Employees can then either return the product to the freezer for long-term storage or pick up from an interject conveyor with a forklift and send it to the shipping or export dock where staff load it directly into a container that delivers it to the port and then to destinations overseas. . 

After some time working with our semi-automatic solutions, both companies found they could get a throughput of 30-40 loads per hour per machine without needing an operator to stand around waiting for someone else to place a load into the machine, as they previously would have done with standalone units. 

As long as they can fill the semi-automatic system, operators can churn through loads and pull the spacers out at a consistently high pace. Based on the low number of employees needed for this application, our customers saw a full return on investment in fewer than two years. 

Browse Spacer Removal Products From Cherry’s Industrial Equipment

If you’re looking for a way to increase throughput in your cold storage facility, Cherry’s can help you find the best equipment for the job. Browse our freezer spacer removal products to see what we offer, or call us at 800-350-0011 to speak with a live customer representative. We can answer all your questions and recommend the best solutions for your facility.