Case Packing Crop Protection Cartons

Interview

Pierre BONNET, Capex Project Manager at SYNGENTA, crop protection products and seeds.

Could you introduce yourself and your company?
My name is Pierre BONNET and I work for SYNGENTA.
SYNGENTA is one of the world’s leading companies in crop protection products and seeds. We are based in Switzerland and have various sites across Europe, including several in France and one in Normandy at Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne.

In 2023, you decided to invest in line automation. What was the context of the project, and what were the objectives and challenges for the new line?
One of the challenges was to improve the packaging end of line at the Saint-Pierre-la-Garenne site so that it would run faster and with fewer issues. The second challenge was to add traceability features with a European partner, enabling us in particular to print unique serial numbers.

What convinced you to choose the JYGA solution?
Our criteria were mainly technical, and JYGA was able to provide a tailored response to our requirements with its case packer, which we greatly appreciated. Another factor that tipped the balance towards JYGA was the proximity of its site in western France to our factory in Normandy.

What feedback have you received from your teams?
Throughout the project, JYGA took account of requests from operators, our safety department on ergonomic matters, and our maintenance department. Employees appreciated the fact that they felt listened to.

A mixed-reality solution was tested to support your teams. What did this tool bring to the project?
Absolutely. With the mixed-reality solution, line operators and members of the safety and quality team really felt immersed in the future machine, allowing us to collect their feedback in a much more meaningful way.

The case packer started up in November 2023. The teams got to grips with it quickly. Since installation, a second case packer for jerrycans has been ordered.