BRISTOL, TN—The Robinette Co recently turned to Martin Automatic to specify and supply automated roll changing technology, based on its experience with the manufacturer’s equipment on a narrow web press at its Bristol facility. The result is an installation of two of Martin Automatic MBS non-stop unwind/butt splicers that are mirror images of each other to allow one operator to handle both splicers with ease.
The Martin MBS unit on each machine changes rolls automatically, without slowing or stopping the line. Importantly, each Martin is equipped with a “spot-splicing” feature and integrated with Robinette’s Holweg machine, so that splices avoid the perforating knife and tucking blade, preventing machine damage and downtime.
According to Tim Wilhoit, plant manager at Robinette’s Piney Flats facility, “The two Holweg/Martin lines have produced as many bags in the first eight months of 2018 as the five decommissioned Matadors managed in the whole of 2017. We have also seen a reduction in staffing levels of 29 percent and a similar 30 percent drop in waste levels. Significantly, there has been a massive 95 percent cut in downtime on roll changes that occur every 30 minutes.”
Working 24/7, Robinette eventually aims to replace 13 machines with four, by taking advantage of the greater efficiency that automation brings. But, as Joe Robinette explained: “Far from automation causing us to cast off loyal staff, here at Robinette we pride ourselves on a stable labor force in which re-skilling and re-deployment are key to increasing efficiency and improving the bottom line.”