Hero points out a number of benefits following the FlexLink installation. The amount of breakdowns during production has been dramatically reduced. Hero also noticed a significant decrease in wastage and an increase of production from 7.000 to 10.000 bottles per hour. Another key benefit is the flexibility that today allows Hero to handle up to six different types of bottles on the same line.   

For handling different types of bottles in the filling line, Hero used to utilize a traditional air conveyor system. However the air conveyor system caused numerous problems. According to Mr Akkermans, Technology Manager at Hero, they decided that it was time to look for another handling system for their plastic bottles. 

Simple, compact, and integrated solution
The simplicity and compactness of the FlexLink base-handling concept made Hero choose the FlexLink solution. It was also very important to Hero that FlexLink could guarantee that the system could be fully integrated in the existing production line at a short notice. “We are very pleased that we made this decision”, says Mr Akkermans. 

FlexLink rinser proved to be the best 
Halfway through the project, Hero introduced PET bottles. These bottles are conveyed with an open neck in contrast to the PP bottles which remain sealed up in the filling machine. Hero required the PET bottles to be cleaned before filling. FlexLink fully integrated the rinser into the PET-bottle handling system that conveys bottles from an unscrambler to the filling machine. Mr Akkermans is very happy with the performance. 

Complete integration of production line 
Only eight months after Hero discovered FlexLink, the complete integration of the FlexLink system in the production line of Hero was a fact. During the project some modifications have been made and a completely new application, the rinser, was added to the system. Throughout the project FlexLink cooperated closely with Hero in order to provide a bespoke solution for them.  FlexLink and Hero both believe in a strong culture of innovation, quality and product development.