The fragrance of tea leaves intermingles with the essence of proprietary herbs. Nestled above the renowned herb chamber, Appenzeller Alpenbitter has been a leader in herbal tea production for generations, while its sister company, Crowning’s AG, operates beneath the same roof.
Since its inception in 1977, this Appenzell-based company has successfully introduced fine English tea culture to Switzerland and beyond. By meticulously selecting exquisite blends and ensuring precise packaging, Crowning’s AG meets the stringent demands of hospitals, military establishments, and high-end restaurants, where tea must be served with utmost precision. In a rapidly expanding Swiss tea market, Crowning’s masterfully harmonizes traditional Swiss craftsmanship with a cosmopolitan palate.
Facts and Figures
To enhance operational speed and efficiency, Crowning’s has invested in a comprehensive tea packing system that significantly reduces waste.
The average weighing accuracy has improved to under 0.8 grams per pack, typically achieving 70 packs per minute.
The user-centric line configuration enables quick cleaning and operation while minimizing employee walking distances.
Challenge
Prior to this upgrade, the existing system had been in service for over 25 years. It faced challenges such as inaccurate weights and product residues on conveyor belts, hindering overall efficiency. Additionally, cumbersome access routes and ergonomically unfriendly interfaces made daily operations cumbersome.
Solution
The new production line significantly elevates efficiency and accuracy, leading to reduced waste, improved hygiene, and enhanced working conditions.
At the heart of the new setup is an Ishida 10-head multihead weigher, designed for rapid performance with a capacity of up to 70 weighments per minute. With a simple user interface, 100 presets, and a streamlined design for quick product changeovers, the Ishida multihead has drastically improved weighing accuracy to better than ±0.8 g per pack—even for bulky or sticky tea leaves. Its efficiency renders it a sound investment for dry, free-flowing products and small target weights.
The integration of the Ishida multihead weigher was expertly carried out by Ishida’s Swiss representative, ITECH. The customized line also includes:
- A vacuum conveyor, which eliminates the need for traditional conveyor belts, reducing product waste and ensuring delicate handling.
- A tailor-made, compact gantry that allows easy access to the weigher’s contact parts for cleaning and maintenance.
- A dust-enclosure system for the multihead weigher equipped with extraction and explosion protection, vital for managing dusty tea blends such as chamomile and mint.
- 25 presets for swift and reliable recipe changeovers.
- A VFFS packaging machine featuring an ultra-hygienic takeaway conveyor.
Results
Overfilling has been nearly eradicated, directly saving on raw material costs.
Product losses have been substantially minimized.
Enhanced reliability, along with faster and easier cleaning, has improved overall operational efficiency.
The optimized line layout ensures intuitive operation and better access for staff.
Added Value Through Partnership
Ishida Europe has established itself as an innovator in food and drink packaging technology for decades. Their multihead weighers are regarded as the industry benchmark—reliable, durable, and user-friendly. For Crowning’s AG, transitioning from an outdated linear weigher to Ishida’s cutting-edge multihead technology was a pivotal move toward fully automated production.
Operations Manager Christof Stillhart notes that ITECH was chosen based on their extensive experience with other large food industry players: “We were impressed by ITECH AG’s engineering expertise and its turnkey approach. Their team managed everything—from project planning and installation to the training of our employees.”
“Today, we produce the same quantity much more efficiently and with much less product waste,” summarizes Stillhart.
