|
Plzensky Prazdroj, a.s. has put into full
operation a new export bottling line. This innovation was necessary
because of a sharp increase in the volume of beer sold abroad. The
investment, worth CZK 150 million, enables the filling of five bottle
types and it also meets all of the foreign distributors` special
requirements as regards packaging. In practice, it allows for the
possibility of using roughly thirty modes of palletising and seventeen
modes of packaging. For example, the line is capable of packaging multi-packs
with four, six or even twelve bottles.
The current capacity of the line is 36 thousand
bottles in volumes between 0.33 l and 0.5 l per hour or else 30 thousand
bottles in a volume of 0.66 l per hour. Two of the many other additions
installed are a cleanser for new bottles and a new labelling machine
allowing the complete dressing of bottles, including laser dating. The
line also comprises multi-function carton packaging equipment. The
conveyor system of the line is electronically controlled; the capacity is
optimised and continuously regulated. Changes in the logistics will bring
about high financial savings from the efficient handling of packaging
materials.
A further innovation is the use of light-weight
bottles in the volumes of 0.33l, 0.35l and 0.66 l of beer. In case of the
“one-third” bottle (with a volume of 0.33 l), the saving in weight is of
65 grammes, which means that a fully loaded truck is 1,080 tonnes lighter.
Light-weight 0.33 l bottles have already been sold in the domestic market,
too.
A total of 580,381 hl beer was exported from
Pilsen last year, which signifies an increase of 32.8 per cent in one year.
The overall export sales of the Pilsner Urquell brand alone went up by a
huge 37 per cent.
|
