Improving Efficiency on the Production Floor at Winpak

Improving Efficiency on the Production Floor at Winpak

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winpak is a leader in the food packaging industry, producing high-quality plastic packaging used for everyday products such as meat, cheese, and other food items. With facilities across Canada and the United States – including Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Georgia, and California – Winpak plays a vital role in delivering safe and efficient packaging solutions to the industry.

For more than 15 years, Acculift has supported Winpak’s operations with customized lifting solutions, including hoists, cranes, and ergonomic material handling devices. This long-standing partnership is built on trust, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to creating safe and productive workplaces.

The CHALLENGE

At Winpak’s Winnipeg facility, operators regularly handle large rolls of packaging film weighing up to 150 pounds. These rolls must be cut into smaller sizes, removed from machines, boxed, and palletized multiple times throughout each shift.

Previously, the process relied on a traditional box tilter to assist with handling. While it provided some support, it did not fully address the demands of repeatedly moving heavy rolls and created several operational challenges.

Key challenges included:

• Safety Risks: Repetitive lifting and awkward handling increased the risk of back strain and injury.
• Operator Fatigue: Constant handling of heavy rolls made shifts physically demanding and difficult to sustain.
• Inefficient Workflow: The box tilter did not streamline the process effectively, resulting in slower production and additional handling steps.
• Limited Ergonomics: The setup did not adequately support safe and comfortable positioning for operators during repetitive tasks.

What was initially implemented as a handling solution had ultimately become a bottleneck for both safety and productivity.

The SOLUTION

To address these challenges, Acculift worked closely with Winpak to design a customized ergonomic handling system tailored to their production process and operator needs.

The system combined a Schlumpf Roll Turner with a Gorbel Easy Arm articulating lift assist device, allowing operators to safely lift, rotate, and position packaging rolls with precise control throughout the workflow.

The Easy Arm provides smooth, balanced movement, enabling operators to maneuver rolls easily and position them exactly where needed with minimal physical effort.

Together, the Easy Arm and Roll Turner reduce physical strain on operators while improving workflow efficiency, ergonomics, and overall productivity on the production floor.