Driving 20% More Beverage Output Through Strategic Collaboration
As Business Development Manager at Qimarox I often witness how combining innovative technology with dedicated integration partners and engaged end-users unlocks remarkable gains. Our recent project with Lithuanian beverage producer Alita, executed alongside systems integrator MB Inzinieriaus nauda (Marijus Žaldarys) , exemplifies this: seven Highrunner HR10 palletizers now enable over 100 pallets per hour per line, translating into roughly 20% more production capacity for Alita. Sharing this story offers insights for peers in automation, material handling, and manufacturing on how to structure partnerships that deliver swift ROI and lasting operational benefits
Understanding Alita’s Ambition and Complexity
Alita, founded in 1963 and part of MV Group since 2014, produces sparkling wines, cognacs, whiskeys, and mixed drinks from its Alytus facility. By 2023, output reached about 20 million liters in 44 million bottles, and the company sought to scale further into international markets. However, their existing end-of-line packaging faced bottlenecks: handling a wide variety of bottle shapes, pack formats, and heavy layers (up to 280 kg per pallet layer) strained throughput and stability requirements. Meeting a target of over 100 pallets per hour per line while ensuring minimal downtime and safe handling demanded a flexible, robust solution.
Selecting the Right Technology and Partner
Early on, Alita chose to invest approximately €2 million in seven complete end-of-line packaging systems. Recognizing local nuances—such as compliance with Lithuanian regulations, site constraints, and after-sales support needs—they engaged INNA Engineering. INNA’s experience in industrial automation and robotics in Lithuania made them the ideal integrator for conveyors, safety platforms, control cabinets, and commissioning. Meanwhile, Qimarox’s Highrunner HR10 palletizer, with its patented pattern generator and reinforced design for heavy layers, addressed the core technical challenges. This alignment of end-user goals, integrator expertise, and manufacturer innovation set the foundation for success.
Collaborative Implementation Journey
From the outset, our teams adopted a hands-on, transparent approach. INNA engineers visited Qimarox to receive training on machine construction, control software, and maintenance procedures, fostering deep familiarity with the Highrunner HR10’s mechanics and the Prorunner mk5 vertical conveyor. Together, we refined mechanical settings—gripper adjustments, slip-sheet application mechanisms, and support structures—to handle Alita’s varied packaging profiles safely and efficiently. On-site at Alita, INNA oversaw conveyor integration, safety installations, acceptance testing, and operator training, while Qimarox provided remote-monitoring infrastructure (camera access and secure login) for real-time support.
How the Highrunner HR10 Delivers Value
Rather than listing features in isolation, it helps to see the Highrunner HR10’s impact in everyday operations. Operators enter package dimensions once; the pattern generator computes optimal stacking automatically, reducing trial-and-error and engineering overhead. When formats change, saved patterns allow rapid changeovers. The reinforced design reliably handles layers up to 280 kg, and integrated slip-sheet application ensures stable pallets for transport. Coupled with Prorunner mk5 conveyors delivering packages at precise heights, plus automatic wrapping and labeling modules installed by INNA, the system flows continuously: as one pallet is filled, the next is readied without pauses. Remote connectivity means Qimarox specialists can troubleshoot alongside INNA and Alita teams, cutting downtime and preserving throughput targets.
Measurable Outcomes and Rapid ROI
By boosting end-of-line speed to over 100 pallets per hour per line across seven lines, Alita unlocked nearly 20% more annual beverage output—millions of additional bottles for global markets. Automating heavy lifting and pattern generation reduced manual interventions, allowing personnel to focus on higher-value tasks and lowering operational costs. Improved pallet stability and automatic wrapping reduced product damage during logistics. The combined effect yielded swift payback on the €2 million investment, underscoring how aligning technology, integration expertise, and user engagement accelerates ROI.
Key Takeaways for Future Projects
Reflecting on this collaboration suggests several guiding principles:
Engage Integration Partners Early: Involving INNA from concept stages ensured design decisions matched local requirements, site constraints, and Alita’s operational culture.
Invest in Knowledge Transfer: Hands-on training built INNA’s confidence to install, commission, and support multiple machines independently—amplifying project scalability.
Design for Flexibility: Automated pattern generation and configurable mechanics proved essential for handling diverse packaging without extensive manual re-engineering.
Leverage Remote Support: Camera-based monitoring and secure remote access became indispensable for fast troubleshooting, reducing visits and ensuring uptime.
Share Transparent Metrics: Tracking throughput improvements, capacity increases, and cost savings helped all stakeholders appreciate impact and informed continuous improvement.
By weaving these lessons into future end-of-line or material handling projects, organizations can replicate and even surpass these results.
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