Starting point
A new product opportunity in an existing cheese plant
TINE Elnesvågen's existing production plant was originally set up for round cheeses. TINE wanted to extend production to block cheese and at the same time automate the handling from the existing pre-press and cheese press through brining and on toward the packing area.
The solution had to be integrated into an existing cheese plant with limited space, respecting the existing machines, the production flow and TINE's automation standards.
Solution and responsibility
Feasibility study before the final solution
HSV Combi first carried out a feasibility study that clarified the process flow, layout, integration, equipment needs and project execution. This created a shared technical basis and reduced the uncertainties before the overall project was launched.
HSV Combi was subsequently given responsibility for a complete delivery with a project value of approx. DKK 30 million.
Equipment delivered
The complete delivery included
- New mold filler solution for both round and block cheese
- New block molds with lids
- Automatic mold hotel for round molds and block molds
- Automatic infeed and outfeed conveying of molds
- XYZ gantry system for mold handling between the mold hotel and the existing cheese press
- Retrofit of the existing demolding machine for both cheese types
- Weighing and conveying of the cheeses after demolding
- Flumes for gentle conveying of cheeses in brine
- Automatic loading of brining racks
- 40 custom-made brining racks
- Handling equipment for the existing crane system
- Automatic rack unloading line
- Washer for brining racks
- Buffer and rack conveyors
- Conveyors from brining to the packing area
- Blow-off of excess brine before packing
- Electrical installation and automation
- Integration with existing PLC and production systems
- Project management, installation and commissioning
Installation and commissioning
21 employees and two weeks of installation
Installation was completed in two weeks with a team of 21 employees. Commissioning with product then began. From the very first production day, TINE was able to use the cheeses produced. This shows the importance of thorough engineering, testing and planning before the work at the dairy.
Operation and service
Stable operation and ongoing service since 2020
The plant has been in production since 2020 and has run stably without major repairs. The ongoing need has mainly been routine replacement of wear parts.
HSV Combi still holds a service agreement on the plant and carries out service every year. This ensures continuity from development and installation to the long-term operation of the plant.
Customer value
Value for TINE
The project gave TINE the ability to produce block cheese in a plant that could previously only handle round cheeses. At the same time, brining and a large part of the mold and cheese handling were automated.
The result is greater product flexibility, less manual handling and a more coherent production flow. The stable operation since 2020 also documents the value of the technical solution and of the long-term partnership on service and maintenance.
