Coke bottler in Latin America sets up bottle maker on premises

Alpla Sidel

Small volumes of bottles will be produced on SBO 20 Universal2eco blow-molding machines from Sidel in an offline production hall that is also designated for palletizing. "Sidel has practiced good presence in Mexico. And they were able to install the equipment in several locations simultaneously. That really made the difference for ALPLA in selecting Sidel as its partner for such a big contract," says Martin Stark, technical and purchasing director at ALPLA.

From field-testing to final installation
ALPLA has been working closely with Sidel for more than 25 years. In the past three years, the company field-tested some of Sidel's latest blowing innovations, among them the SBO 20 Universal2eco. ALPLA also tested Sidel's patented format changeover system Bottle Switch and the energy-saving new oven configuration: the Ecoven. The positive testing results facilitated ALPLA's decision for the Sidel equipment: all tested machinery is now part of the new order.

The SBO Universal2eco blow-molders delivered to ALPLA are equipped with 6 to 26 cavities and will produce up to 2,200 bottles per hour. ALPLA will create all the Coca-Cola bottle shapes from 250 milliliters to three liters on the new blow molders. Some of these machines are able to produce up to 21 different shapes and sizes. There are 1,200 molds equipped with Kohlox, a system made of thermo composite material that helps parts move freely without lubrication and reduces machine downtimes.

ALPLA was looking for a vendor who knows the Mexican market and is available whenever needed. "We have a lot of experience with Sidel in Mexico and the fact that Sidel has a strong organization in this area was essential to us. In case anything happens, we can benefit from quick solutions in terms of spare parts and technicians," Stark says.

The machine's overall efficiency, due to faster format changeovers, results in a good total cost of ownership of the equipment. The order was placed with Sidel in August 2011; shipments have taken place between November 2011 and February 2012. The new machines are due to be installed in six plants across Mexico to start operations in the coming weeks.

Source: Sidel

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