A partnership between TNA solutions and Mister Bee Potato Chips has sought to revolutionise its snack production and enable it to realise ambitious goals going forward. TNA redesigned and optimised the company’s manufacturing site in Parkersburg, West Virginia, achieving a 400% capacity increase.
As the new owners of Mister Bee, the West Virginia Potato Chip Company recognised the need for a “comprehensive” upgrade to the existing frying and packaging machines which were not suited for meeting growing market demands. The vision was to create a manufacturing environment that could accommodate expansion while delivering exceptional product quality.
By working closely with Mister Bee’s Operations Manager, TNA’s engineers identified critical process improvements and proposed a tailored solution. The collaboration began with a redesign of the manufacturing space leveraging technologies such as Microsoft’s Hololens. This step ensured the revamped facility was optimised for efficiency and productivity ahead of TNA’s integration.
Once the space was mapped out, the installation of the TNA robag 3ci, a vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging system followed. Equipped with the rotary double jaw and patented stripper tube closer, the robag 3ci is capable of ultra-high speeds up to 150 bags per minute (bpm).
The inclusion of TNA’s patented auto connect and unload assist technology also streamlined operations. It facilitated seamless changeovers with minimal manpower, further improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The results of the collaboration witnessed the company’s capacity output skyrocket, enabling it to meet increasing demand without compromising on product quality.
“Previous machinery could only run 20-25 bpm, whereas now with my new TNA machines, I can run 100-115 bpm. A very big upgrade,” commented Mary Anne Ketelsen, President of Mister Bee.
TNA’s turnkey, end-to-end, single source approach also means the company stands by every element, demonstrated by its swift action in rectifying a design defect during the integration process.
This successful partnership marked just the beginning of a long-term relationship between TNA solutions and Mister Bee. In subsequent years, Mister Bee has invested in additional TNA machinery, including a new fryer, further solidifying its trust in TNA’s service, machinery and consistent results. Mary Anne Ketelsen expects this fruitful collaboration to continue driving their growth and innovation for years to come.
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Caitlin Gittins
Editor, International Bakery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920
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