Industry: Food Manufacturing
Solution Provided By: RonI | Lift-O-Flex
Customer Challenge
A large U.S. based food manufacturer needed a safer, more efficient way to lift and dump two types of heavy plastic containers—ranging from 28-gallon bins to plastic drums—into hoppers or bins at varying heights. Container weights, including material, weighed up to 350 lbs, presenting significant ergonomic and safety concerns for floor operators.
Their goals were to:
- Eliminate manual dumping of heavy containers
- Reduce operator strain and injury risk
- Maintain hygiene standards (wipe-down only, food-safe surfaces)
- Handle multiple container types with minimal changeover
Our Solution
RonI provided a series of custom-built LIFT-O-FLEX® 19500 Series lifters, equipped with our robust Squeeze-O-Turn™ end-effector—engineered for reliable gripping, lifting, and powered rotation of the containers. Each unit was tailored to the customer’s unique material handling setup.
Key Customizations:
- Heavy-duty Squeeze-O-Turn tooling with adjustable arms and flat pads or V-blocks, depending on the container shape.
- Electric rotation to simplify and standardize dumping into hoppers at 29” and 41” heights.
- Food-friendly construction options in both powder-coated and stainless-steel versions to match facility requirements.
- Adjustable handlebars and intuitive controls for operator ease.
- Plastic brush upgrades and drum retainers for clean, secure handling of plastic drums containing dry powders.
The solution included both single-purpose units and dual-use lifters, minimizing the customer’s total equipment footprint while maximizing flexibility across their container types.
Results & Benefits
- Improved operator safety by removing manual lifting from the process
- Efficient container handling with minimal changeover
- Hygienic design compatible with food industry wipe-down standards
- Custom fit for their specific workflow and equipment clearances
Why It Worked
RonI’s ability to configure lifters for multiple container types—without compromising on food safety or ergonomic standards—was key. The customer was able to streamline their workflow, improve safety, and maintain compliance with sanitation protocols, all with one integrated solution.