recent additions two multifunctional packaging lines from oystar af for producing yoghurt. the setline series machines at milchhof sterzing process single cups as well as 2cup and 8cup sets. together, they produce up to 22,000 125gram cups per hour. where needed, the cup sets can also be fitted with allround sleeves. thanks to the modular machinery concept, both systems are equipped with a filling system in front and a palletizer in the back. &ldquonow we cover the entire packaging process in a single line&rdquo, explains dr. günther seidner, md of milchhof sterzing. &ldquothe functionality and construction of the setline series offers us more than the greatest possible packaging flexibility in very little space it also provides significant cost advantages.&rdquonow the packaging process runs as follows the filling machines move the yoghurt cups along a singlelane conveyor belt to the setlines, where servodriven switches separate them onto duallane belts. when operating without sleeves, the single cups are then grouped and positioned into perforated cases using a servodriven expansion joint. alternatively, 24 cups are placed into the pickup position, drawn by suction and fitted with sleeves into 2cup or 8cup sets. once loaded with single cups or cup sets, the cases are then transferred to a transporter and fed to the palletizer.faster format changes&ldquothanks to the stateoftheart drive technology, the setline systems operate extremely smoothly throughout the entire process&rdquo, adds klausdieter hellwig, area sales manager at oystar af. &ldquothis ensures that the products are brought through the machine so calmly that yoghurt does not slosh around under the lid.&rdquo in addition, the systems feature simple, intuitive operator ergonomics and reduced changeover effort. &bdquonow we need ten minutes tops to change formats&rdquo, emphasizes dr. seidner of milchhof sterzing. &ldquothis allows us to decrease our production downtimes tremendously.&rdquothis was even true during installation of the new lines. the two predecessor machines were disassembled and the new setlines set up without even interrupting production. &ldquowe put together a precise schedule beforehand so that milchhof sterzing would only have to reduce its production capacities to a minimal extent during installation&rdquo, explains klausdieter hellwig of oystar af. &ldquoand they stuck to the schedule exactly&rdquo, dr. seidner adds. &ldquothis reliability is one of the reasons why we have been collaborating with the oystar group for years.&rdquotwelfth machine already up and runningin addition to the two new setline packaging lines, milchhof, which operates as a cooperative, already has one line from the same series and five case erectors, one conventional palletizer and one palletizer that handles three layer sheets in operation. on top of this it has a highperformance cup filling and sealing machine from oystar gasti. &ldquowe&rsquore highly satisfied with all eleven machines and have now managed to double our productivity", sums up dr. günther seidner. &ldquothis made it easy to decide to further expand our business relationships this year.&rdquofor example, milchhof sterzing has already commissioned a new glassfilling line including a filler, erector, packer and palletizer. the glassfilling system will be provided by a specialist supplier while the other machinery components will come from oystar af. oystar af will also handle the overall coordination of operations. the machine will be delivered to south tyrol at the end of october 2014. &ldquowe&rsquore extremely happy that milchhof sterzing has again put its trust in us&rdquo, states klausdieter hellwig of oyster af. &ldquowhen the customer is satisfied, we are, too &ndash and we&lsquoll do our best to make sure it remains so in the future&rdquo 
