Sweet Results through Smart Automation at Dan Cake

From Tradition to Technology

For more than 90 years, the family-owned business Dan Cake has been perfecting the art of baked goods from their factory in Give, Denmark. Known for their signature cakes and sweet treats, the company continues to grow, both in production volume and in their commitment to smart automation.

When Dan Cake decided to launch a new packaging line for their popular rum balls at the beginning of 2025, they needed a simple and reliable high-speed solution that would maintain consistent quality. To achieve that, they decided to partner with QUPAQ.

In Need of Stability

With a strong focus on efficiency, Dan Cake constantly looks for ways to optimize their production processes. As their current tray denester from another brand did not live up to the demands of continuous, high-speed production, the company started looking for a smarter and more reliable alternative.

“We had a dispenser that was very similar to QUPAQ’s, but over time the screws would start to wear down,” explains Rasmus, Chief Technology Officer at Dan Cake. “After six months of operation, small notches would appear, and the trays could start getting stuck. Moreover, when there was too much pressure on the stack, the system would begin to malfunction.”

Therefore, Dan Cake needed a solution that could eliminate these stoppages and secure a stable, high-speed line.

A Smarter, Patented Solution

To overcome these issues, Dan Cake chose to implement QUPAQ’s INTRAY Buffer – Twin, designed with a lifting mechanism that reduces pressure on the tray stack. The solution also included three tray tools for three different tray dimensions and a custom conveyor with position stop for filling under a combination scale.

“QUPAQ solved the problem by having servo-controlled separation knifes, and these lifting devices that lift the trays so you’re taking the weight off the stack,” says Rasmus. “We thought that was pretty ingenious – and it just works fantastically.” The line now runs 80 trays per minute, 40 per lane, with only one operator overseeing the entire line.

QUPAQ’s INTRAY Smart Buffer – Twin, a 100% electrical servo denester for denesting of trays on double lane.

A Collaboration Built on Dialogue, Trust, and Quick Support

The partnership between Dan Cake and QUPAQ was marked by open communication and a shared focus on getting the details right. For Rasmus, this and the responsiveness from QUPAQ is what defines a reliable supplier.

“It’s important that it’s someone we can talk to, who’s available, and who doesn’t run away when something isn’t quite right. In this situation, the service level has been excellent. QUPAQ has always been here the same day or the day after – even during holidays. That kind of support is just as important as the machine itself.”

QUPAQ’s flexibility also proved crucial when deadlines were tight. “We were actually in a hurry,” Rasmus says. “Normally, I would have to sit down and draw the solution and build it, but QUPAQ took care of that. That was what made the project exciting – they just handled it.”

About Dan Cake

Founded in 1931 by Jens Eskildsen in Simmelkjær, north of Give in Denmark, Dan Cake has grown from a local bakery into one of Denmark’s leading producers of cakes and baked goods. In 1959, the company moved into larger facilities in Give to support industrial production and later built a modern factory there.

Today, Dan Cake continues to expand its operations – currently adding 12,000 m² of new production and storage facilities – and employs around 220 people in Give.

Proven Performance

Since the installation, the QUPAQ solution has proven to be both durable and easy to maintain.

“It’s good craftsmanship,” Rasmus emphasizes. “Well made, cleverly designed, and easy to maintain. As an example, you can just flip the belts up when they need to be cleaned or serviced. It’s simple and well thought out,” says Rasmus.

With reliable performance, responsive service, and smart design, the new setup has given Dan Cake a fully automated, high-capacity packaging process that ensures sweet results – tray after tray.

Take a look at the entire solution in the video below:

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