A fire and several relocations; the two old-school GMFanuc M-400 palletizing robots at Lenger Seafoods have been through a lot over the years. Yet, after more than 30 years, they are still running. A true testament to robust robotic automation.

At Lenger Seafoods in Yerseke (The Netherlands), cockles, razor clams, and other shellfish are processed, packaged, and shipped throughout Europe. The two GMFanuc M-400 palletizing robots located here date back to the late 1980s. They are likely the oldest robots that DERO GROEP founder Maro Dedel ever installed still in operation today.

Sold right away

Cees "the tech guy", who has been working at Lenger Seafoods for 40 years, still remembers the introduction of the robots clearly: "I had already seen an automatic palletizing system at my previous employer, and we wanted that here too. When someone from Landré came by with a completely different proposal, we mentioned that we were looking for a palletizing solution."

Landré immediately set up a test rig. "Trays on a conveyor belt and a robot picking them up. It just worked. We ordered two robots that very same afternoon."

One of the GMFanuc palletizing robots at its previous location in Harlingen.

Indestructible

The robots have been through a lot over the years. In 2001, a fire broke out in Bergen op Zoom, where the robots were located at the time. "Everything was black," says Cees. "The insurance company declared the whole lot a total loss." But Cees had immediately lubricated the spindles with brown grease, and the cables had survived, so they eventually got the robots up and running again. "Luckily, because temporarily palletizing by hand was practically impossible," says Cees.

Later, the entire line moved to Harlingen, closer to the source in the Wadden Sea. The robots operated there for about eight or nine years, after which they were moved once again, this time to Yerseke. All handled in-house. "We do a lot ourselves with our technical department," says Cees. "We want to remain in control of our software and installations."

When asked if they’ve ever considered replacing the robots, Cees replies practically: "They’re still working fine, so why would we? Besides, there wasn’t enough space in Harlingen for modern robots with articulated arms."

Robust robot automation

Blackened by fire, moved several times, and rebuilt time and again, yet still operational: the two palletizing robots at Lenger Seafoods can truly be called indestructible. It would be hard to find a better example of robust robot automation.

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