Filling Machines for Milk Freshness: our experience with Tirlán
How do you make sure that Ireland's favourite milk is always delivered on time? With a Galdi packaging line! Learn more about our collaboration with Tirlán
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The Avonmore milk brand is an institution in Ireland.
It is produced by Tirlán (formerly Glanbia Ireland), a farmers' co-operative with a strong commitment to quality.
“From the farm, the milk goes straight into our production processes, to be later sold on supermarket shelves. We have around 35 quality control checks throughout the cycle to ensure the product is of the finest quality".
Tirlán operates 11 high-tech processing facilities and 52 agri branches, processing 3 billion litres of milk annually. 250 million litres are for consumption; of these, 40% are packaged in Gable Top cartons.
Following the introduction of 1-litre cartons for milk in 2014, the co-operative decided to introduce a new format, the 1.75-litre Gable Top carton.
Galdi was the supplier of choice for the installation of the new packaging line.
And so began the adventure!
“During the acceptance test at the headquarters in Italy, our fears were put aside. We knew then that the machine would work. We saw it in operation and trusted the whole team and setting. The staff and expertise involved in the installation were exceptional, the best I have ever seen".
The packaging line with consistently high quality
The 1.75 litre Gable Top packaging line packages four products:
- Whole and skimmed Super Milk (enriched with vitamins and calcium),
- Fresh milk and low-fat milk
The Drogheda plant processes, handles and packs around 3,000 trolleys of product every day.
Ensuring accuracy and timely deliveries with a stable production planning is crucial for Tirlán.
The goal is to ensure the best product and service quality, for both customers and end consumers.
The collaboration with Galdi
For us, working with Tirlán was wonderful.
We tried to meet their needs relying on both the resources within our team and our technologies:
Fast production start
The line was running at full capacity just 5 weeks after installation (OEE: 85%, MME: 97%).
Constant production
Performance repeatability - both in technical and hygienic terms - is one of the main features of Galdi packaging machines and lines
Ease of use
The packaging line is operated by staff with varying levels of experience over multiple shifts. The simplicity of the interface in Galdi packaging lines ensures that the packaging machines are used properly and reduces performance differences between shifts.
Besides supplying the machinery, we offered comprehensive support throughout the project. Our specialists - particularly our System Integrator and Project Manager assisted the customer with their expertise.
"In all the years I have been working here, this is probably the best machine we have ever installed. Installation and commissioning went very, very well. The line has proved absolutely reliable".
Gable Top cartons in Ireland: a success story
The introduction of 1.75 litre Gable Top milk cartons has proved very successful on the Irish market.
Gable Top cartons meet the needs of families, as explained by Linda Sheenan, Head of Consumer Marketing:
“Consumers like Gable Top cartons for their shelf impact and because they are sustainable. They are also practical to use and fit well in the fridge".
As a company, we are proud to have been part of this project and will continue to support Tirlán in this and other future endeavours.
Interested in a Gable Top packaging line?