We had never seen a concept like this before and we were immediately convinced that we had found the right solution.∼ Jasin Zekiri, Lean Manager at the Romanshorn plant of Eugster/Frismag AG.
Schmalz Vacuum Lifters Simplify Stacking at Eugster
Eugster/Frismag AG develops and produces coffee machines on behalf of well-known brands. Because the employees had previously loaded the pallets with the coffee machines at the end of production without technical support, the Swiss company was looking for an ergonomic lifting aid. Schmalz was finally able to convince them with a special tube lifter version.
Features of the success story
| Industry | Household appliances |
|---|---|
| Workpiece | Coffee machines |
| Product group | Vacuum Tube Lifter JumboFlex High-Stack |
| Type of handling | Manual Handling |
With Schmalz
2,55
meters
Effortless stacking
The customer: Eugster / Frismag AG
Eugster/Frismag AG is a Swiss company that specializes in the development and manufacture of household appliances. The company mainly produces coffee and espresso machines for various well-known brands and sells them worldwide. In addition to coffee machines, the product range also includes other kitchen appliances such as kettles, toasters and blenders. Eugster/Frismag AG is known for the high quality, innovative technologies and custom-made solutions it offers its customers. The company attaches great importance to sustainable production and environmental friendliness.
The challenge
An analysis of the logistical processes revealed that at the end of production, round 200 cardboard boxes weighing up to 40 kilograms had to be stacked on pallets by hand every day without any aids. The health of the employees is a central concern of the company, which is why emphasis is placed on ergonomic work processes. Eugster/Frismag was looking for a solution to reduce the physical strain on employees and at the same time improve the efficiency and quality of logistics processes. The challenge was to reach the upper rows without straining their backs when loading onto pallets. "Even with a manual lifting aid, the maximum stacking height of 1.70 meters is usually reached," says Christian Fluri, technical consultant at Schmalz GmbH in Switzerland. Although there have been no complaints to date, Eugster/Frismag saw a need for action as the coffee machines are becoming increasingly heavy. The health of the employees is a central concern of the company, which is why emphasis is placed on ergonomic work processes. Eugster/Frismag was looking for a solution to reduce the physical strain on employees and at the same time improve the efficiency and quality of logistics processes.
The solution from Schmalz
At the EMPACK trade show in April 2018, Schmalz presented the JumboFlex High-Stack, a vacuum tube lifter that can ergonomically stack goods weighing up to 50 kilograms to a height of 2.55 meters. Eugster/Frismag was immediately convinced and tested the device extensively before becoming the first customer in Switzerland to purchase the new version of the ergonomically designed vacuum lifter. They combined the JumboFlex High-Stack with an aluminum overhead crane, which covers a working area of 2 x 5.5 meters. The employees at Eugster/Frismag were quickly won over by the vacuum lifter: the intuitive one-handed handle and an additional guide handle make handling easier and enable continuous adjustment for every user. Once the employees got used to the device, they could no longer imagine life without it. The focus was not on speeding up the process. Rather, it was about protecting the employees and avoiding sickness. The vacuum lifter significantly optimized the process and improved both the health and motivation of the employees.
Customer benefits through the Schmalz solution
Ergonomic work designErgonomically transporting and stacking goods
Employee healthPreventing illness by improving ergonomic work processes
Process optimizationIncreasing process efficiency
Products used in the application
Vacuum Tube Lifters JumboFlex High-Stack
- JumboFlex High-Stack for back-friendly lifting and lowering of loads
- For optimal use of space in storage areas and transport equipment
- Up to a stacking height of 255 cm
- For workpieces up to 50 kg
Aluminum Bridge Cranes
- Modular crane system for flexible and cost-effective assembly of individual crane solutions
- Installation on ceiling or portal construction
- Particularly suitable for large workspaces
- Lift capacity up to 1,200 kg