Case Study

We had the pleasure of installing two state-of-the-art conveyor belts and control panel systems for the pharmaceutical industry giant Movianto.

Movianto is a leader in pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, and diagnostics. With operations continuing to expand, they required an expert to install two conveyor control panel systems for two areas within their pharmaceutical distribution centre.

Movianto is part of the Walden Group, a company founded in the south of France in 1951 and headquartered in Paris. With a one-stop-shop offer for healthcare distribution, Walden is now the European leader in logistics and transport for pharma.

The company has expanded rapidly over the last few years. More than 1,900 teammates are managing over 275,000 pallet locations spread over a network of 20 wholly owned warehouses in 11 European countries. Movianto’s UK turnover exceeded £200M in 2021.

Movianto wanted to increase both the capacity and throughput of its material handling systems in its warehouse in Tamworth. As this project was taking place within a pharmaceutical complex, our client required specific containment installations included, such as a twin-compartment system and Photo Electric Chemical Sensors (PECS).

Discover how our team of electrical installation experts delivered these conveyor control panel solutions to help our client streamline operations and cut costs.

After BS Handlings systems conducted a thorough site survey and risk assessment, our client determined that the optimal solution would be to install two switch belt sorter systems simultaneously to minimise lead time.

1. Electrical installation of a conveyor control panel for the switch belt sorter system
2. Electrical installation of a conveyor control panel for cold store/chill room storage and distribution

It was crucial for both areas to operate independently, which required the installation of a control panel for each switch belt sorter.

Finally, Movianto needed the containment to have a twin compartment and a lid so that any items that fell off the conveyor could not damage the wiring.

Area 1 – Electrical installation of switch belt sorter system

Electrical installation of a 200m switch belt sorter system divided into three packing areas – north, south and a rejection lane.

• We divided the switch belt sorter system into three packing areas – north, south and a rejection lane.
• The transfer table was installed and controlled via linear motors, which are programmed and regulated through an output ET200 IO.
• Diverters were connected to direct the correct items into their allocated lane.
• The conveyor control panel included custom safety features such as E-stops and pull cords.
• The containment installation required twin-compartment trunking running throughout the whole system.
• With an NICEIC electrical installation certificate issued, we began to install the various power and controls.
• Electrical installation on conveyor units 24v UNI- XU Zone Logix Pro was established.
• Further installation of one main conveyor panel with field-mounted sorter panels, power supply panels, and inverter panels.
• We then installed three No. SICK Dimensioning-Weighing-Scanning on the infeed section before the final PECS and sensors were positioned and programmed.

The installation took 160-man days and included diverters, SICK dimensioning, weighing, and scanning sensors, photoelectric chemical sensors and the usual safety features.

Area 2 – Electrical installation of the conveyor control panel system for the cold store  

Area 2 concerned the electrical installation of a 30m switch belt sorter system partly contained within a cold store.

• We installed another dedicated control panel conveyor system CP02 to supply power to the whole area.
• Electrical installation of a 1 No. SICK Dimensioning-Weighing-Scanning on the infeed section.
• Many components and features installed in phase one were duplicated in phase two, such as the installation and programming of PECS and sensors.

The installation took 35-man days and included cable rated to -20°C, diverters, SICK dimensioning, weighing and scanning sensors, photoelectric chemical sensors and the usual safety features.

Results

Our experience in conveyor control panel design and installation enabled us to produce the ideal solution to meet pharmaceutical industry standards and minimise downtime.

Hills Electrical Group delivered the new switch belt sorter systems on time and within budget. The result allowed Movianto to increase its warehouse capacity and throughput in the shortest lead time. This has made a significant difference to its distribution and logistics capability.

We’re delighted to hear of the positive impact our electrical installation services are having on Movianto’s distribution processes.

Using cutting-edge PECS and sensor technology, we were able to streamline processes through conveyor control panel capabilities. Now, Movianto’s pharmaceutical distribution processes are more streamlined and safer, boosting productivity and overall performance within the complex.

At Hills Electrical, we take pride in supplying innovation for fellow businesses and ensure they keep moving forward with our pioneering electrical installation services.

From state-of-the-art control panels to conveyor belts and sortation systems, no matter your industry or requirements, our solutions can create new manufacturing and supply chain opportunities for your business.

To find out more, get in touch.