If you are responsible for a plant receiving raw materials and primary products, you have been particularly affected by the changes in the global economic situation in recent years. Just a few years ago, many basic products came from the same continent as the plant’s location. Deliveries were made in silo trucks with direct unloading into production or an intermediate silo. Due to various factors such as increased wages and energy costs, “domestic” products have become so expensive that the more complex import from overseas now pays off.

Goods from overseas arrive in the world’s most widely used transportation medium: the ISO sea container. Sacks, octabins, big bags or liner bags are available for packing the goods in the container. The liner bag is increasingly gaining acceptance as the most efficient packaging, as it offers three decisive advantages: Optimum utilization of the container volume, simplified handling and therefore financial savings, significantly reduced plastic consumption when packing the goods.

Employees from logistics, production and purchasing must work hand in hand to master the new challenges. Many companies have started working with completely new suppliers. The advance of trust that companies place in new contacts from overseas is enormous. There is a great temptation to keep the familiar suppliers from domestic markets in the portfolio, at least in part. However, the technology must be able to cope with the balancing act between tried and tested deliveries in silo trucks and new units in containers. Some companies are even forced to decide on a single method for the future.

WWTec has risen to this challenge. The result of two cancelled orders – the technologies were combined for a new order – creating double added value for the customer. The “CES” (container unloading station) is a tried-and-tested product that has already enabled many customers to unload sea containers without having to go through building applications and complex approval procedures. The technology has now been extended with a connection for silo trucks, which makes use of the air and energy supply of the CES container unloading system. Simply select the unloading mode on the touch panel and the machine automatically sets all the parameters for container or silo truck unloading. The customer was thus able to kill two birds with one stone. New suppliers deliver goods in liner bags, while the established suppliers can continue to deliver in silo trucks. The purchasing department is also pleased to be able to enjoy full flexibility in the choice of suppliers and delivery methods. The company is ideally equipped for future developments in the global economy. Operators are also happy with the new weather-protected workplace. Communication with the existing silo systems enables an up-to-date overview of the production supply at all times and additional safety technology has eliminated former hazards.

WWTec has been developing solutions for container loading and unloading for over 20 years. Their machines not only enable customers to benefit from the advantages of liner bags, they also go one step further. With safety in mind, WWTec offers machines with various additional options such as inflatable seal connections, liner pressure monitoring, dust filter and re-direction systems, oxygen monitoring and much more. When it comes to safety, WWTec also specializes in explosion protection and offers container loading and unloading systems with ATEX certification.