Modernization of industrial lines within the Lesieur group

The Lesieur group, a long-standing and key player in the French food industry, specializing in oils and condiments, turned to MSK end-of-line automation solutions for two of its sites in the Hauts-de-France region. Faced with aging equipment, Lesieur sought to modernize its production lines in order to improve quality and increase throughput. From the careful pallet packaging of edible oil jerrycans to the smooth and efficient depalletizing of mayonnaise jars, each project provided an opportunity to address specific challenges and transform aging processes into efficient and reliable solutions.

This case study invites you to discover how the end-of-line operations of a leading French oils and condiments manufacturer were modernized, with a clear focus on reliability, performance, and modernization.

Modernizing pallet packaging operations for edible oil jerrycans

At one of Lesieur’s production sites, the packaging of 25 L edible oil jerrycans had until then been handled by aging equipment. The challenge was twofold: to implement a more efficient solution while complying with strict budget constraints. It was in this context that MSK stepped in, designing a shrink hooding unit perfectly tailored to the site’s requirements. At the core of the solution is MSK Multitech / Econotech shrink hooding machine, capable of securing pallets while offering a high degree of flexibility. To facilitate the automated handling of pallets, whether by automated warehouses, AGVs, or automatic truck loading systems, the hooding machine was equipped with the MSK Formtech system. This patented MSK solution keeps access between the pallet blocks clear during film shrinking, ensuring smooth and trouble-free handling.

Once hooded, the pallet is conveyed to the labeling station via MSK chain conveyors, forming a smooth and consistent system. The management of the unit is simplified thanks to the EMSY HMI, developed by MSK, which provides user-friendly line control, including features such as 3D visualization of the installation and detailed error messages.

What truly set MSK apart in this project was its ability to listen and adapt to the customer’s needs. MSK designed a solution that is both high-performing and scalable: should Lesieur’s production volumes or jerrycan formats evolve in the future, the hooding machine can be adapted accordingly, ensuring a sustainable and long-term investment.

Replacing an aging depalletizer to handle multiple glass jar formats

Satisfied with the performance and reliability of the shrink hooding unit previously installed by MSK, the Lesieur Group teams chose to renew the experience and entrusted MSK with the modernization of another line dedicated to the depalletizing of mayonnaise jars. Their expectations were similar in terms of reliability, performance, and adaptability, while also complying with space and budget constraints. However, the challenge proved to be more complex, as highlighted by Mr. Clément Gagnière, Sales Engineer at MSK Emballage: “For this second project, the objective was to handle glass mayonnaise jars in three different sizes (250, 500, and 750 ml) on a single pallet type, while replacing an aging depalletizer that was over 30 years old”.

To meet these requirements, MSK installed on site an MSK Triotech depalletizing unit, capable of handling all jar sizes with precision and care. Specifically, after operators manually remove the hood from the pallet, it arrives at the MSK depalletizing station, where the system takes over. It automatically removes the cardboard top and interlayers, eliminates any glass shards using a tilting mechanism, and then depalletizes the pallet using a vacuum plate before stacking the empty pallets. Compact and perfectly integrated into the available space, the MSK depalletizer can process up to 10 pallets per hour. Thanks to its specialized vacuum plate systems, it minimizes jar impacts, reduces breakage and broken glass fragments as well as factory noise, ensuring production that is both efficient and safe.

one depalletizer for several glass container sizes

The depalletized jars arrive on the buffer table before being fed onto the conveyor line via a jar aligner, designed to minimize impacts and prevent breakage. The aligners adjust speed to ensure each jar is handled with care, and any jars that fall are automatically ejected without interrupting production. The conveyors are equipped with Kevlar roof and chains, and all mechanical parts in contact with the products are made of stainless steel, ensuring optimal hygienic conditions for the food industry.

The MSK depalletizer installed at Lesieur constitutes a modern, high-performing, and scalable line, capable of adapting to future needs while ensuring reliability and product protection.

Two modernization projects built around customer collaboration and performance

Across these two projects, MSK worked closely with Lesieur to develop solutions adapted to the specific challenges of each production line. From the modernization of oil jerrycan pallet packaging to the replacement of an aging depalletizer for different glass jar formats, every project constraint was carefully considered to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable installations.

MSK proved its expertise by placing customer collaboration at the heart of the project. To ensure that the solution perfectly met Lesieur’s expectations, a reference visit was organized in advance at PSL in Germany, where a similar depalletizer is already successfully handling glass jars. Every project constraint, from available space to budget limitations and jar specifications, was carefully taken into account. The installation remains easy to operate thanks to the MSK EMSY HMI.

These projects allowed Lesieur to modernize its production lines while combining safety, automation, and productivity. As Mr. Alexis Carlier, Technical Director at Lesieur, highlights: “These two projects have modernized our production lines while combining safety, automation, and productivity. The reliability and ease of use of the MSK equipment have enabled us to save time and work with greater peace of mind. It is an investment that is already delivering tangible benefits on a daily basis.”