A local producer of instant drinks fi nds productivity gains and growth potential in equipment designed to better handle powders. Dated: 1 March 2008 BY MATCON
Chek Hup Sdn Bhd is located in Ipoh, Malaysia and was established in 1960. Its beginnings started in rock-sugar processing, but in the 1990s, the company introduced started manufacturing 3-in-1 Ipoh White Coffee—a unique recipe developed by Ipoh coffee roasters more than 50 years ago. The Chek Hup brand is found in 15 countries and is well-known for its quality, robust aroma, smoothness and rich taste. Standards are important to the company, so it is certifi ed HAACP, ISO 9000, and ISO 14000.
Challenge International market interest caused an upsurge in demand for the white coffee. So Chek Hup’s production increased to over 80 tons per month. This level of demand combined with increased GMP requirements applied to food manufacturers, meant that Chek Hup was keen to implement newer technology to move them into the next era of business growth.
Solution In November 2006, Matcon was awarded a contract for the supply of a materials handling system for Chek Hup. Matcon used their regional experience in 3-1 power processing to install a Smart Drum IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) system of 3000-liter capacity. The Smart Drum system is a closed system in which the batch is contained in a sealed IBC.
Each Smart Drum IBC incorporates Matcon’s cone-valve technology, which is used to provide the necessary controlled feed into the packaging lines without the risk of segregation of the 3-1 after blending. The Smart Drum system is used to transfer batches between the process steps, which include: bulk and minor rawmaterial dispensing to an IBC, IBC blending, discharge of 3-1 coffee into the packing lines, IBC cleaning offl ine. The IBC system is designed from a modular approach to accommodate future expansion plans. Chek Hup saw this as a distinct advantage.
Mr Tan Huang Kew, managing director at Check Hup is sold on the benefi ts of the sytem. “With the Matcon system in place, our factory output has increased from 80 tons to 110 tons per month. The factory fl oor is cleaner and there is little dust. So there is no need to clean the packaging machine’s inlet every day now that it is connected to the chute. All this helps cut down the time required for cleaning and mopping.”
The IBC system is a closed-transfer system that prevents operators from being exposed to air-borne dust, fulfi lling an important Health & Safety consideration. At the same time, the IBC prevents product contamination, keeping the 3-in-1 coffee safe.
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