Features/Benefits Provided: Eliminated the need to install pallet dispensers at each packaging/palletizing line Significantly reduced pallet and product damage Inventory is tracked throughout the system Flexible solution for plant’s changing production demands Safe, reliable delivery of food and empty pallets

The Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) system was installed at a major food manufacturer in New South Wales Australia. The 6 vehicle fleet automates movement of palletized finished product and empty pallets between the stretch wrapper, ten packaging/palletizing lines, a shipping buffer storage area, and two dispatch locations.

The AGVs are equipped with a dual fork carriage which allows for dual load handling. The top set of forks (primary forks) are used to transport full pallet loads, while the bottom set of forks are used to transport empty pallets.

The dual load handling capability allows the AGVs to drop off a full pallet at the stretch wrapper while simultaneously picking up an empty pallet from the pallet dispenser located at the stretch wrapper. The AGV delivers the empty pallet to the packaging lines, while simultaneously retrieving a full pallet load of finished product. This eliminated the need for the facility to install a pallet dispenser at each of the 10 packaging lines.

The AGVs also transport full pallets from the stretch wrapper and block stack them in shipping buffer storage lanes. The AGV system maintains a record of all inventory placed in the storage lanes and the time each pallet was placed into the lanes. This allows the AGVs to retrieve the “oldest” product from the storage lanes and deliver it to a requesting dispatch location for shipping.

By installing the AGV system the facility was able to reduce the amount of plant equipment needed, while significantly improving inventory tracking.

is a proud member of AGVS, a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America

400 Highpoint Drive
Chalfont, PA 18914
Phone: (215) 822-4600
Toll Free: 1-888-362-3628
Fax: (215) 822-4553
Website: www.jbtc-agv.com