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Case Study

Automated Palletizing Delivers Advancements for Fast-Growing Grupo Fortec

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First Released June, 2021

As Grupo Fortec, a manufacturer of construction materials such as ceramic adhesive in Mexico, underwent a period of rapid growth, they implemented a large-format robot palletizing solution from Mitsubishi Electric. It replaced what was currently a manual process to improve productivity and keep employees safer and healthier.

Bulk Palletizing with Robotic Technology

Grupo Fortec was founded in 2002 in Apaxco, Mexico, as a manufacturer of stucco and tile adhesives. After a period of rapid growth, Grupo Fortec incorporated automated systems and robotics in their manufacturing, material handling and packaging areas.

The Challenge

The company was seeking to implement a palletizing system for 20 and 40 kg (approx. 44 and 88 lbs) bulk ceramic adhesive packages. In the past, the handling and packaging of this material was a manual process. However, Grupo Fortec was searching for a way to completely automate the process to improve productivity and keep its employees safer and healthier.

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The Solution

A production line is comprised of two automatic packaging machines, a chain extraction belt system, a weighing solution (to ensure the correct weight of each bulk of product in real-time), bag positioners and roller conveyors. In addition to this, a robotic cell with an articulated arm and a load capacity of 70 kg (about 175 lbs) was added for handling the bulk products with an adjustable gripper that fits the dimensions of the 20 kg and 40 kg bags. On the control side, PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other necessary components were networked across this distributed discrete and analog system through CC-Link IE Field.

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“We are standardizing Mitsubishi Electric equipment in our other plants. We are already working on the design stage, from the initial process of an electric motor, to the bulk counter and the real-time monitoring system of the on-floor work. All plants should be the same.”

Miguel González
– Operations Manager
Grupo Fortec

The Benefits

In collaboration with the Koatli Industrial Engineering, an authorized systems integrator, a robotic application was built according to the needs of Grupo Fortec’s plant in Guanajuato, Mexico. The implemented solution allowed them to increase production by 30%, with savings reaching up to 20% of total operating costs. In addition to the ROI being well within the goals set by Grupo Fortec at the corporate level, the system has the capacity to increase production as demand increases. They currently produce 3,200 tons a month, however the plant has a capacity of 5,000 tons of production, a range they could easily reach with the newly configured installation.

The Future

This solution has brought them closer to Smart Factory and Industry 4.0 concepts, placing them in a strategic position to spearhead the industry in terms of automation and control technology. Thus setting the trend in this productive sector.

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Product and Solutions

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RV-F Series Large Format Robot

From simple pick-and place-applications, to complex assembly tasks, Mitsubishi Electric industrial robots are equipped with class-leading speed and precision.

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Q Series PLC

Whether you operate a stand-alone machine or factory and enterprise level systems, we design our products to meet your specific needs.

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GOT Series HMI

GOTs (Graphic Operator Terminals) provide an innovative operation and visualization interface.

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FR Series VFD

We offer a comprehensive line of drive products and solutions that are designed to satisfy your needs, from the very simple fractional horsepower components to the large and complex multi-system drive architectures.

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CC-Link IE Field

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Grupo Fortec

  • Founded: 2002
  • Business: Grupo Fortec strives to produce and market high-quality materials for ceramic adhesives, offering excellence in service, committed to continuous improvement; and generating value for our internal and external clients.

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