Hytrol E24EZ Accumulation Conveyor Tweaks Delivers Faster Sweets
Implementing a high-efficiency E24EZ accumulation system to simplify candy packaging flow and accelerate facility startup without complex PLC logic.
Engineering a “sweet” foundation for high-volume growth.
When Morinaga America, the confectionery force behind Hi-Chew, established its manufacturing hub in North Carolina, they required a precision-engineered packaging ecosystem that could match their global reputation for quality.
Advanced Equipment Company (AEC) stepped in as the material handling food distribution specialists, leveraging decades of integration expertise to transform a rigid, outdated design into a fluid, high-performance turnkey solution.
Challenge: Modernizing an outdated design to meet aggressive production timelines.
When Morinaga America launched their Mebane facility, the initial contractor’s design relied on outdated belt technology that lacked the flow control necessary for high-speed candy packaging. The system required a complex bridge between bagging machines and manual operator stations, but the existing blueprint was too cumbersome to get up and running quickly. AEC was tasked with stripping away the complexity to create a synchronized path from check-weighing to final palletizing without the typical headaches of heavy PLC programming.
Solution: Replacing outdated belts with intelligent, low-profile accumulation.
Material handling specialist Scott Hartman pivoted the strategy toward the Hytrol E24EZ Conveyor, a 24-volt system that manages its own logic. To accommodate the manual pickers, AEC engineered a specialized “low-roller” design, allowing operators to slide full cartons onto the conveyor with minimal effort. This “plug-and-play” approach eliminated the need for complex PLC logic and extensive wiring, utilizing self-managing zones that only run when product is present—slashing installation time and energy costs simultaneously.
Results: Zero-logic complexity and maximum operational uptime.
The transition to a decentralized E24EZ system allowed Morinaga to bypass the traditional “integration slog,” moving from installation to full production with minimal interruption. By opting for smart accumulation over basic belts, the facility gained a user-friendly line that prioritizes worker ergonomics and safety.
- Simplified Installation: Accelerated timeline by removing the need for complex PLC programming.
- On-Demand Efficiency: Conveyor zones only operate when needed, reducing wear and energy use.
- Intuitive Workflow: Automatic accumulation built-in, allowing operators to focus on output rather than line jams.
- Proven Expertise: The system’s success has led to ongoing consultations for further facility-wide upgrades.
Results at a glance.
- Accelerated Speed-to-Market: Plug-and-play installation for faster facility startup
- Zero-PLC Logic: Automated accumulation without complex programming
- Smart Energy Savings: 24V zones that only operate when product is present
- Ergonomic Throughput: Low-profile roller design for effortless manual loading
- Reduced Infrastructure: Minimal electrical wiring and control hardware required
See the system in action!
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