SAICA PLANT IS A RECORD-BREAKER AFTER OPTIMA-ISATION

The Spanish-owned company, a world leader in the manufacture of paper for corrugated packaging, has reported a significant increase in production since the refurbishment, which involved replacing three outdated DC drive motors with new drive control panels, AC vector drives and PLCs for line mode operation.

Saica had been experiencing problems with the B&C Flute Single Facer on the corrugating line, but the upgrade carried out by OCS has completely transformed its performance, saving the company both time and money.

OCS, a specialist in variable speed drive PLC and SCADA applications, is renowned for designing and integrating cost-effective and high-quality drive control systems that help maximise plant performance for a range of industries.

Saica's engineering manager, Jim Stewart, had nothing but praise for OCS which installed and commissioned the project to deadline during the firm's annual shutdown at the start of 2011, eliminating the need for any further interruption to production.

He said: The drives on the machine were obsolete; a throw back to the sixties, but Optima came in and did a fantastic job. In fact I would say it was the best installation I have witnessed during my career in engineering. The upgrade has improved consistency, eliminated niggles and break downs and consequently helped us break the record for productivity at Saica's UK plants. I would certainly recommend Optima Control Solutions.

OCS managing director Michael Hill believes that by upgrading the outdated drives and controls of plant machinery packaging companies can expect a healthy payback against the cost of purchasing new equipment. New control systems can also slash power consumption, particularly important with looming energy price rises.

Mr Hill said: The intelligent integration of modern drive and control technology has a significant impact on production efficiency in the packaging industry. The upgrade we successfully completed for Saica has improved the machine's effectiveness and also provides them with the ability to cater for any future system expansion.

The UK Packaging Industry is worth around £10 billion pa and is a vital link in the manufacturing supply chain, however, just like other industries, it must embrace the cutting edge technologies now available to help boost productivity and reduce costs if it is to remain internationally competitive.