Effortless precision: fully automated Slicing & Packaging solution for plant-based cheese
For the flexible cutting, loading, and packaging of plant-based cheese, Ziegler Käsespezialitäten GmbH relies on a holistic solution from GEA. The modern machine technology is designed to meet the customer's pre-defined individual requirements, ensuring high process and investment security from the outset.
Customer profile
The second-generation family-owned company Ziegler Käsespezialitäten GmbH from Hörselberg-Hainich near Eisenach has been dealing with cutting, grating, dicing, and packaging cheese products for more than 25 years. The company recognized the signs of the times early on and has been offering plant-based alternative products for alternative diets since 2012. It still considers itself a market leader in this segment. The owner and Diplom-Betriebswirt Nino Ziegler describes the company's product philosophy as follows: "At our company, tradition and innovation go hand in hand through digital transformation. Thanks to our high level of automation, we are always able to meet individual customer needs."
Due to the significantly increased demand for cheese from plant-based raw materials, the company decided to create a separate production space for the plant-based product line and to invest in another fully automatic processing and packaging line from GEA. It consists of an OptiSlicer 6000 for the cutting, loading, packaging, and labeling process, a ShingleLoader 600, and a PowerPak PLUS thermoforming machine. In addition, there is a high-performance labeling and printing system called TiroLabel. Modern control, monitoring, and automation technology complete the line as a highly efficient overall solution.
Long-standing partnership
"We have been working with GEA for more than ten years and are familiar with the entire range of machines for feeding, loading, cutting, as well as horizontal and vertical packaging," says Nino Ziegler. "It convinces us both with its good performance and reliability. In addition, there is the good service, which works around the clock, seven days a week, if needed."
"GEA looks back on decades of experience in designing automatic cutting, loading, and packaging systems of all sizes and additionally offers a variety of powerful functional modules that are tailored to the respective requirements," explains Norbert Brunnquell, Senior Product Manager Slicing. "Each part of the line is synchronized to create a seamless process that meets today's market demands in efficiency, safety, and environmental compatibility."
"We are very impressed with the cutting result and the quality of the cheese portions or slices. Especially in the context of very low giveaways ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 percent and high yield."
Nino Ziegler
Company owner Ziegler Käsespezialitäten GmbH
The right performance
The fully automated slicing and packaging line by GEA revolutionizes Ziegler Käsespezialitäten's cheese production. Boasting high throughput and a sophisticated knife design, the system ensures gentle yet precise cuts. Enhanced by the innovative GEA Resyst coating, it delivers perfectly portioned cheese slices with minimal giveaway.
"We are very impressed with the cutting result and the quality of the cheese portions or slices," emphasizes Ziegler. "Especially in the context of very low giveaways ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 percent and high yield." The system is also equipped with modern electronics and a user-friendly control panel, it facilitates ease of operation and maintenance. Leveraging the remote maintenance solution tool, GEA InsightPartner, ensures optimal uptime by proactively addressing maintenance needs and minimizing downtime.
Furthermore, the system's automatic loading system, the GEA ShingleLoader 600, ensures a continuous and accurate product flow to the thermoforming machine. Featuring integrated buffer belts tailored to the preferred length of the thermoforming machine, the system maintains a steady cycle performance, optimizing efficiency and productivity. The flexibility to adjust loading positions during operation enhances usability, while the easily detachable product belts ensure stringent hygiene standards and product safety. "We are convinced by the integrated buffer for cut portions, the possibility of adjusting loading positions during operation, and the ease of use," summarizes Ziegler the machine concept. "Currently, I see no technically better solution on the market."
"We are convinced by the integrated buffer for cut portions, the possibility of adjusting loading positions during operation, and the ease of use. Currently, I see no technically better solution on the market."
Nino Ziegler
Company owner Ziegler Käsespezialitäten GmbH
Ensuring optimal hygiene during packaging, GEA PowerJet longitudinal nozzle bars prevent dust entry and minimize film waste, facilitating the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions. The reliable and high-performance GEA TiroLabel completes the cutting and packaging line, ensuring swift and accurate labeling, further enhancing operational efficiency and product traceability. "Particularly noteworthy here is the extremely high working speed," reports Nino Ziegler.
In conclusion, the fully automated slicing and packaging line by GEA enables Ziegler Käsespezialitäten to meet the evolving demands of the market while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
"The complexity of technology is progressing ever faster. For this reason, a good partnership is of great importance for new investments as well as for service. The performance of the fully automatic line has convinced us from day one."
Nino Ziegler
Company owner Ziegler Käsespezialitäten GmbH
Maximum integration. Minimum footprint. Highest efficiency.
