Efficient and controlled flow of dirty and clean crates

Covameat is a Belgian company specialized in the processing and distribution of pork products.

Before the project, crates were stored in confined areas and washing was largely outsourced.

This resulted in additional transport, complex logistics, and a strong dependence on external partners.

Covameat wanted to bring the entire process in-house, creating an efficient and controlled flow of dirty and clean crates between production and the washing department.

The challenge was to integrate the solution into an existing production environment with limited space, demanding operating conditions and strict dimensional constraints. The elevators had to be installed within an existing shaft, meaning every dimension had to be accurate down to the millimetre. In addition, the environment required specially adapted sensors, galvanized steel structures, and stainless-steel components.

The installation consists of two integrated systems. Dirty E2 crates are automatically transported from production to the washing department via conveyors and elevators. After washing, the clean crates are stored in a buffer area and, when required, returned to production through a dedicated lifting system. This ensures that clean crates are always available when needed.

Regarding the collaboration, Robin, Project Manager at Covameat, commented:

“The cooperation with Motus Handling was very smooth. Communication was clear, they responded quickly whenever needed, and the project was delivered on schedule. In short: a successful project.”

With the new installation, Covameat benefits from an efficient and controlled flow of dirty and clean crates. The washing process is now managed entirely in-house, eliminating the dependence on external washing services.

The automated transport between production and the washing department improves efficiency, reduces manual handling, and ensures a continuous supply of clean crates to the production floor. As a result, Covameat can reliably and efficiently handle its current production capacity.

“The biggest difference is the controlled and structured flow. Where manual handling was previously required, clean crates are now automatically available on demand. This creates a calmer working environment and significantly reduces interruptions to the production process.”