When SalatMestern needed to increase the capacity of one of its packaging lines, manual lid application had become a clear bottleneck. Before installing QUPAQ’s Lid Applicator, two to three people were needed to apply the lids by hand.
Since 1988, the Norwegian food manufacturer Salatmestern has been producing a wide range of ready meals, salads, spreads, and snack products to both retail and foodservice customers. With around 100 employees and a broad product range, efficient and reliable production is essential to the company’s operation.
When Salatmestern needed to increase the capacity of one of its packaging lines, manual lid application had become a clear bottleneck. Before installing QUPAQ’s Lid Applicator, two to three people were needed to apply the lids by hand.
“We used two to three people to put the lids on manually. We simply couldn’t achieve the capacity we needed that way.”
With the Lid Applicator now running in production, Salatmestern has more than doubled its capacity in this part of the line - from approximately 25 cups per minute to around 60.
“Before, we were running at around 25 cups per minute. Now we can run at around 60, which is the capacity we need. But I think the machine is capable of much more. It’s a good capacity machine.”
The increased automation has also made a significant difference to the staffing requirements on the packaging line.
The line as a whole previously required up to five people, largely because of the manual lid application. Today, Salatmestern typically operates it with just two people.
“It’s a long line with a lot going on, so we normally have two people on the line. Before, when we were putting the lids on manually, we could have up to five. That’s a huge advantage.”
For Salatmestern, the benefit is not only higher output, but also a more efficient use of its workforce.
When Salatmestern set out to find the right lid application solution, they explored multiple options, including discussions with a machine manufacturer in England. However, QUPAQ quickly stood out as a strong contender.
Having successfully used QUPAQ’s denesters for years, Salatmestern already had confidence in the company's equipment and service. Combined with a well-developed concept for the Lid Applicator, local support, and a track record of reliable collaboration, the choice ultimately became clear.
“We already had QUPAQ’s denesters, and they had performed very well for us. The project was well prepared, and the support we've received has been excellent. That's why we chose QUPAQ - they have been a good fit for us.”
For Salatmestern, reliability is one of the most important considerations when investing in packaging equipment.
“For us, reliability is the most important thing. The machine has to work. And when we need assistance or something goes wrong, we depend on getting good support. The support has been excellent so far.”
When asked about what he values the most about the Lid Applicator, Atle sums up the three following qualities:
“Good build quality, good capacity, and its stability.”
Automation plays an important role in Salatmestern’s approach to production. For Atle, investing in efficient equipment is closely connected to the company’s ability to remain competitive in the future.
“The importance of automation is that we need to be able to operate efficiently in the future. We need solutions that give us efficient and reliable production.”
The Lid Applicator has helped Salatmestern create a more efficient packaging line, increase output, and reduce the need for manual labor.
“Now, our competitive advantage is that we have an efficient line in our factory that helps us get the products we want out the door. Having an efficient factory is important to us.”
For Salatmestern, the result is a packaging process that can handle significantly higher capacity while requiring fewer people on the line, which makes the Lid Applicator an important part of a more efficient production setup.
