Philip Morris upgrades automated handling

摘要

Philip Morris USA, Richmond, Va., continues to upgrade its highly automated cigarette manufacturing operation with new materials handling hardware and software. The finished goods system is the focus of this modernization. This system's primary functions are to: 1. Integrate the materials handling, controls, and information management systems through automated equipment and controls which operate with a minimum of manual labor and supervisory intervention. 2. Receive product from manufacturing 24 hr/day up to 7 days/wk. 3. Accommodate a production volume of 82 cases/min with up to 45 simultaneous stockkeeping units (SKUs). 4. Consolidate cigarette case pal- letizing and shipping operations from two existing facilities into one integrated facility.