Sidel rollfed labeler enhances performance at Mountain Valley Spring Company

MOUNTAIN Valley Spring Company recently enhanced its labeling capacity by 16% with the installation of a single Sidel rollfed labeler.

The Rollquattro Evolution replaced two existing bottle labeling machines in the company’s Hot Springs, Arkansas plant in a simple four-day implementation process. The installation of this new Sidel labeler simplifies the company’s processes and further demonstrated its commitment to sustainable production. 

The flexible, rotary labeler is suitable for containers with common and uncommon shapes ranging in diameter from 53mm to 110mm. It can handle a wide range of label materials and thicknesses from wrap-around-rollfed paper to plastic labels, and accommodate a variety of container materials such as lightweight PET and other plastics, glass, and metal. It supports precise label application and overlap alignment at every speed, even for uniquely shaped bottles, with no additional wipe-down system required for label overlap closure. 

Rollquattro Evolution

The Rollquattro Evolution features a patented label transfer drum and glue and cutting modules to deliver a quality fit. It has an automated vacuum, easy programmable settings, label tension, and stability control. It also features an ergonomic design and robust and precise linear labeling station. 

Since installing the Rollquattro Evolution labeler in May 2015, Mountain Valley has increased its labeling speed and performance. Prior to this, the company used two labelers from another supplier. But because of its familiarity with Sidel’s blow moulding solutions, Mountain Valley decided to integrate Sidel technology into their operation to help simplify their processes.

According to Dennis Adams, director of Operations, “Our former system caused all sorts of inefficiencies on the line, which created excess scrap and added costs to the production of our packages. We considered a couple of different options, but selected the Sidel Rollquattro Evolution. Looking back, the choice to go with Sidel was simple. In my 27 years in the industry, the company has always been known for its reliable technology.”

The installation of Sidel labelers was kept simple and with minimal downtime to limit impact on production through factory testing prior to shipment. The Rollquattro Evolution implementation process proved to be quick and seamless for Adams and his team: Within four days, the two existing labelers were dismantled, and the new Sidel labeler up and running.

“We shut down on a Saturday morning, rotated the machine and connected to services on Sunday afternoon. By Tuesday, we were ready to go. The setup was smooth with the Sidel team working alongside us,” said Mr Adams.

Mountain Valley has primarily been utilizing the Rollquattro Evolution to apply full-wrap film labels to recycled PET (rPET) bottles.

Mr Adams said, “Within one week of deploying the Rollquattro Evolution labeler, we quickly realized it alone could tackle the work of two of our previous labelers. Having one total solution has enabled us to streamline our labeling process and will ultimately increase the number of bottles we can label, achieving 700 bottles per minute (bpm) compared to the 600 bpm running previously.”

“This solution’s simplified design and high quality parts have contributed to improvements in our efficiency and performance levels, and saves us a lot of time during changeover procedures. It complements our extensive bottle product line in a dynamic way,” he further stated.

Linear labelling station

Mountain Valley’s commitment to sustainability was one of the key considerations in its decision to use Sidel labelers. Compared with a long-standing bottler that uses 50% rPET in PET bottles and 35% recycled glass in glass bottles, the Rollquattro Evolution can handle precision-labeling for lightweight bottles at lower glue consumption and waste. Its unique hot-glue roller design also provides at least 15% savings on total annual glue consumption versus other hot-glue labelers on the market.

“Our team makes sustainability a priority. For decades we’ve concentrated on practicing low-impact water withdrawal, reducing the packaging and energy used in manufacturing, and choosing renewable energy sources whenever possible. Working with a company like Sidel that matches our dedication to preservation has been incredibly valuable toward our efforts,” Mr Adams said.

In business since 1871, Mountain Valley continues to keep pace with more than 140 years of changing market, consumer, and production demands while protecting its brand and bottom line. Using reliable and efficient equipment to consistently deliver quality products to customers has helped the company earned its place as the oldest continuously operating bottled water company in the United States.

Mountain Valley’s senior leadership team realizes the value of innovative manufacturing technology. As labeling is integral to the company’s manufacturing and marketing strategy, the company knew the Sidel Rollquattro Evolution labeler was the perfect solution to upgrade its labeling capabilities and help the brand grow into the next century.