Savoring Success: Robotics in Salsa Production

Streamlining El Pinto Foods with Automation

El Pinto Foods, a well-established multi-faceted restaurant and manufacturer, is known for providing co-packing and private labeling services. They offer a diverse range of products, including salsas, sauces, marinades, dipping sauces, and dressings, with packaging options like glass jars, plastic bottles, single-serve cups, and PET containers.

To enhance efficiency in salsa production, El Pinto Foods approached In-Position Technologies to streamline their manufacturing process and reduce dependency on manual labor. The primary challenge was the inefficiency of manually loading labeled, single-serve cups into box trays for shipping, which previously required 3-4 employees. This inefficiency, compounded by the complexity of handling various packaging formats, led to increased machine downtime. We needed to design a solution that would automate this process while accommodating the different weights and surfaces of El Pinto’s diverse product line, savoring success with robotics in salsa production.

Challenges

One of the primary challenges was designing a single end effector that could handle the diverse needs of El Pinto Foods’ production line. The varying weights and surfaces of the products, including different peelable lids and shrink wrap, required a sophisticated approach to ensure consistent handling. Additionally, the gripper needed to have a compact form factor to fit within the trays without disrupting the product alignment.

Solution

In-Position Technologies implemented a Universal Robot with a customized pneumatic gripper to tackle El Pinto Foods’ operational challenges. Collaborating with Coval Vacuum, we designed a gripper that handles various product types and weights while fitting within space constraints.

Our solution involved extensive testing and CAD modeling to ensure seamless integration with El Pinto’s production line. We worked closely with their team to understand their needs and educate them on robotics deployment. Coval provided part testing and guidance, helping us refine the gripper to meet all requirements. This tailored solution reduced manual labor and increased efficiency in El Pinto’s manufacturing process.

Conclusion: Achieving Efficiency and Confidence

The implementation of the robotic system was a significant success for El Pinto Foods. Our team traveled to Rio Rancho, NM, to assist with integrating the Universal Robot into their facility. They worked on setting up the components, integrating the conveyance system, and programming the robot for production.

Within weeks of the components arriving, El Pinto Foods was able to start production, reducing a 3-4 person process to just 2 with the help of robotics. This transition not only handled rapid product surges more efficiently but also instilled confidence in further robotic integration at El Pinto Foods, savoring success with robotics in salsa production and setting the stage for future advancements.