Automating Noodle Weighing and Distribution

The Challenge

The customer faced several challenges with their existing noodle weighing and distribution system. The process required multiple operators just to distribute the noodles to the weigher, leading to high labour dependency and lack of automation. In addition, the overall cost of ownership was excessive, and the system lacked flexibility, making it difficult to handle different types of noodles or recipes.

The Goal

The client needed a solution that would:

• Reduce reliance on manual labour.

• Lower the overall cost of ownership.

• Provide flexibility to run different noodle types and recipes.

• Simplify cleaning and maintenance.

• Allow seamless integration with both bagging and tray lines.

The Solution from Sealpac UK & Partners

Sealpac UK & Partners introduced a tailored weighing and distribution system that transformed the way noodles were processed on the line. At the heart of the upgrade was a multihead weigher from our partner, Cabinplant, well-suited to handling noodles, which instantly removed the need for six operators who previously had to manually feed the system.

The new design didn’t just solve the labour issue — it also brought greater efficiency and lower overall costs of ownership. Cleaning was made simpler with elevators that lift up and down to allow full access, and the distribution tools designed with quick-release to enable fast clean-down between recipe changeovers.

Flexibility was another key benefit. The line was designed in a modular way, allowing noodles to be directed either into a bagging machine or onto a tray line depending on production needs. The distribution tool itself added further versatility, capable of working with several types of tray formats and easily interchangeable. 

Finally, the solution opened the door to recipe diversity. Whether sticky or delicate, the system could handle a wide range of noodles and recipes without compromise, future-proofing the line for new product developments.

Key Highlights:

• Multihead weigher solution eliminated need for multiple operators.

• Lower cost of ownership through efficient, adaptable design.

• Elevators and modular tools simplified cleaning and hygiene.

• Modular system enabled use with both bagging and tray lines.

• Distribution tool provided versatility with multiple tray format options.

• Able to handle all noodle types and recipes, including sticky products.

Conclusion

By introducing a weighing and distribution solution well-suited to noodle production, Sealpac UK & Partners transformed the customer’s line. Labour dependency was dramatically reduced, cleaning became faster and easier, and the system now offers the flexibility to handle diverse recipes and packaging formats. This case demonstrates how tailored automation can deliver immediate efficiency gains while future-proofing production for changing demands.

When the product challenges convention, our team challenges it back with a smarter design.