publisert 28.09.2010

FachPack 2010 Bosch's New Portfolio of Infeed Systems Increases Operational Efficiency While Improving Uptime

• High-performance infeed systems permit high production volumes 24/7
• Toolless belt changes and ease of cleaning minimize downtime
• Flexible solutions help manufacturers adapt to continuously changing market demands

Bosch Packaging Technology announces the launch of the Pack Feeder 4 portfolio of infeed systems, offering a cost effective solution that ensures efficient performance. The new feeders are ideal for packaging bakery and confectionery items such as biscuits, chocolate and bar-type products, as well as products in plastic, cardboard trays, and some non-food products such as pharmaceutical goods.

The Pack Feeder 4 infeed systems are available with conveyor belts in various layouts and lengths in order to meet individual production needs. To help product manufacturers adapt to ever-evolving consumer and retailer demands, top and side guides on the new feeders can be rapidly adjusted without tools, ensuring quick product changeovers and minimal downtime. For maximum equipment utilization and flexibility, the Pack Feeder 4 units can perform numerous functions, including turning, grouping, buffering, stacking, and cardboard feeding.

The new infeed systems offered by Bosch feature a gear-free belt drive that reduces maintenance efforts and hingeable side guides for easy removal of product jams. The easiness of disassembling parts like belts, nose rollers or deck plates without tools allows for quick and simple cleaning. This benefit is especially useful for lines handling allergy-prone products that must meet stringent hygiene standards requiring rigorous cleaning of all food contactable parts. These aspects help to reduce downtime while improving the overall efficiency of the production line and reducing the total cost of ownership.

The Pack Feeder 4 portfolio, which includes both in-line and crossed belt infeed systems, can support high production volumes with belt speeds of up to 120 meters per minute. With their reliability and robustness, the feeders can be operated on a 24/7 basis even at high output levels. The modular design of the Pack Feeder 4 infeed systems translates into competitive delivery time. With standardized interfaces, Pack Feeder 4 units can be rapidly and easily integrated with machines in Bosch.s wrapper portfolio such as the Pack 401 and Pack 201. This ease of implementation allows for low start-up costs and short lead-times. For low maintenance and operating costs, the new infeed systems feature a minimum number of parts, while all parts are made of stainless steel or anodized aluminium for long-term usage.

"The new Pack Feeder 4 portfolio allows enormous production efficiency and flexibility, helping companies respond to the industry trend toward shorter product lifecycles and increasing variety in packaging styles and formats," said Marcel Volk, Product Manager, Bosch Packaging Technology. "With the strong economic pressure in today's manufacturing industry, companies need cost-effective systems that ensure consistent production with low downtime."

Contact: Contact person for press inquiries:

Daniela Thiele Christian Bosshard

phone: +49 711 811-57552 phone: +41 52 674 6771

daniela.thiele2@bosch.com christian.bosshard@bosch.com

Bosch Packaging Technology, based in Waiblingen (Germany), is one of the leading suppliers for total solutions in packaging and process technology. The company develops and produces in 16 countries and distributes worldwide modules and systems for the pharmaceutical, confectionery, and cosmetics industries, as well as other food and nonfood industries. The product range is rounded off with service solutions. For more information, please visit www.boschpackaging.com

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 270,000 associates generated sales of roughly 38 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering". The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.