Stainless Pallet Inverter to Meet Sanitary Application

Overview
Saturn Pet Care is one of largest pet food manufacturers in Europe, processing quality pet food in facilities in Germany and the Netherlands.  Headquartered in Germany, Saturn Pet Care recently opened its first US based manufacturing facility in Terre Haute, Indiana.  In fact, 10 months prior to breaking ground in the U.S. they reached out to Cherry’s Industrial looking for help in one of their manufacturing processes.  


The Challenge
Inbound shipments of frozen blocks of raw ingredients need to be transferred from the wood shipping pallet to a hygienic stainless-steel pallet for use throughout the plant. The pallet transfers must be done in a washdown area which requires daily cleaning and sanitation.  In addition, the process needs to address employee productivity, ergonomics, and employee safety which is of critical importance.  


The Solution
Stainless Steel Pallet Inverter with Pallet Gripper and Stainless-Steel Pallets for inhouse use.


The Results
After extensive engineering communications and discovery meetings our product specialist recommended a solution that addressed all concerns. Cherry’s Industrial would build a custom Stainless Steel Pallet Inverter with washdown rated components that could be cleaned and sanitized. Stainless steel mesh guarding and IP67 rated light curtains would be included to protect the operating areas as well as any employees who should come too close to the machinery while in use.
Additionally, Cherry’s fabricated heavy-duty stainless-steel pallets designed to work with the Pallet Inverters pallet gripping system.


Conclusion
The use of grippers to secure pallets made the process easier to transfer loads while at the same time reducing unnecessary pallet handling for the forklift drivers.  Other process improvements include: elimination of splinters, nails, contaminants, debris and pathogens from entering the production areas.