WMH Delivers Bespoke Packing Line for Premium Dessert Manufacturer

Designed and installed by WMH for an international premium dessert manufacturer, this bespoke packing system creates a seamless link between cake cutting and flow wrapping. Combining ergonomic operator handling with efficient product presentation, the solution improves packing productivity while protecting delicate cake slices. With future automation opportunities built into the design, the system provides a flexible platform that can evolve alongside the customer's production requirements.

Western Mechanical Handling UK Ltd (WMH) has successfully designed, manufactured and installed a new packing conveyor system for an international premium dessert manufacturer specialising in chilled, frozen and baked sweet products supplied to major retail brands.

Developed to improve handling efficiency while maintaining the high presentation standards demanded by delicate dessert products, the bespoke manual packing line links the customer's cake-cutting operation directly with its flow-wrapping process.

The new system features a twin-conveyor arrangement that presents acetate trays to operators in an optimised ergonomic position. Operators manually place pairs of cake slices into the trays before transferring the completed packs into the flow wrapper. By creating a smooth and organised workflow, the system reduces unnecessary movement and supports more efficient packing operations.

With product quality and operator welfare central to the design, the packing line has been engineered to simplify repetitive handling tasks while ensuring the delicate cake slices are treated with care throughout the process.

Although the packing operation remains largely manual, the installation has been designed with future flexibility in mind. Operators currently de-nest acetate trays, load the sliced products and place filled packs into the wrapper, providing a level of control that is particularly important for premium products where appearance and presentation are critical.

The system also creates a platform for future automation should production requirements evolve. Potential enhancements could include automatic tray de-nesting and robotic handling of filled trays prior to wrapping. However, due to the fragile nature of the products and the quality standards required, a fully automated solution is not currently considered the optimal approach.

By striking the right balance between manual handling and automation-ready design, WMH has delivered a practical, efficient and future-focused solution that supports both current production needs and long-term operational development.