Fibre King has delivered a custom-designed, high-performance end-of-line packaging system for a leading Victorian wine producer. PKN takes a closer look at the system.
Designed for seamless integration with the winery’s existing filler and conveying infrastructure, the compact solution provides a continuous flow from filler discharge through multipacking and wraparound case packing to pallet-ready cartons.
The system was engineered to handle 200ml and 275ml glass piccolo bottles – with the flexibility to run 250ml slim cans and was designed to match a filler capability of 10,000 bottles/cans per hour.
The fully integrated system wraps bottles into neck-through or wraparound multipacks before automatically forming and sealing cases, creating a streamlined, high-efficiency operation.
The scope of supply covered bottle conveyors side-transferring product from the existing line into the multipacker infeed, a Fibre King MP40 Intermittent Motion Multi Packer, a Fibre King WAP10 Wraparound Case Packer, and outfeed conveying merged into the site’s existing carton conveyor system. Fibre King also undertook installation, commissioning and operator training as part of the project.
At the heart of the installation is the MP40, a compact, fully automatic cluster packer developed to meet growing demand for high-speed multipacking solutions for bottles and cans. Bottles transfer onto the infeed, where side actuating clamps gap and position the products. Dual cluster blanks are picked from the magazine and placed over the bottles, before the blank is folded around the pack. Hot melt glue is applied and the pack held in compression to complete sealing. Finished four-packs are then ejected inline, narrow side leading.
The MP40 can also operate in bypass mode, allowing bottles to pass through without sleeves applied when required. Format changeover between bottle sizes can be completed in approximately 15 minutes by a single experienced operator, supporting flexibility across the producer’s range.
Downstream, the WAP10 Wraparound Case Packer collates the multipacks, forms the case around the product and applies glue sealing in a fully automatic sequence.
Multipacks arrive in a single lane from the multipacker, are collated and swept into waiting case blanks drawn from a two-stage magazine with vacuum-assisted erecting. Servo-driven case transport with adjustable stainless-steel dog chains and an overhead servo loader provide precise product handling, while integrated glue application and compression sealing complete the process. A fully interlocked PLC control system with diagnostics and product selection underpins operation.
Both the MP40 and WAP10 are PLC controlled with full interlocking and automatic shutdown protection. Multi-level HMI access provides operator visibility and maintenance diagnostics, and Ethernet connectivity enables remote access and integration into broader site automation systems. Downstream control logic manages product flow to ensure smooth synchronisation with existing equipment.
The system is ISO9001 compliant and designed in accordance with Australian Standard AS4024. Electrically interlocked guarding and mechanical positive locking systems enhance safety, while stainless steel construction and food-grade lubricants support beverage production requirements.
Fibre King managed the project from detailed design through in-house manufacture, testing and Factory Acceptance Trials prior to installation. A dedicated project manager coordinated design development, documentation, compliance and stakeholder communication, with installation and commissioning structured to align with site schedules.
The result is a compact, high-speed end-of-line packaging solution that supports 10,000 bottles/cans per hour, delivers flexible multipack and case formation across two bottle formats and one can format, enables rapid changeovers and integrates into existing infrastructure while allowing scope for future automation expansion.
This article was first published in PKN Packaging News March issue, page 43.
