Candy Maker Increases Productivity with First-Time Automation
Delkor automation helped Kenny’s Candy reach 60–70 packages per minute, boost productivity, and transition employees into higher‑value roles.
Challenges
- Limited indirect productivity due to manual line support
- Monotonous and dull jobs that didn’t challenge employees
- Unrealized efficiency in the packaging process
Results
Employees gain valuable skills as automation operators
Increased indirect productivity
Flexible systems allows for adaptability as needed
Story
Created with the goal of making a better-tasting, better-chewing licorice than anyone else, Kenny’s Candy joined KLN Family Brands in 1987 in a small Minnesota town named Perham. But inside their facility, where premium licorice like the Wiley Wallaby brand is packaged, manual packaging—requiring employees stationed at the end of every line—meant that opportunities to optimize existed.
An introduction to FANUC Authorized System Integrator, Delkor Systems, led the candy maker to invest in its first automated lines, which increased packaging rates and led to an immediate boost in productivity.
Not only did the packaging line process realize sizeable efficiencies, employees that had once been stationed at the end of lines were relocated to higher value roles, and those that now work with the automated system have gained additional marketable skills.
By automating multiple packaging lines that incorporate FANUC’s series of M-10 industrial robots, the fastest handling robot in its class, the company is now able to achieve rates of up to 60 or 70 packages a minute into cases, which would have overwhelmed prior manual support.
Working with Delkor ensured a smooth integration, says KLN Family Brands, while noting that no new system introduction is without its bumps. “The thing I really like about working with Delkor is just how willing and eager they are to help us anytime that we give them a call. What was really beneficial was just having that continuous support from the engineers, from our aftermarket sales team.”
It’s beneficial for our company, and it’s beneficial for our people as well.
Seth Johnson Process Engineer – Kenny's CandyFANUC Products Used
M-10iD/10L
The FANUC M‑10iD/10L is a long arm 6 axis robot model of the M‑10 series that features an outstanding axes speed and ultimate precision within its class.
- Max Payload:
- 10 kg
- Reach:
- 1636 mm
Meet Delkor Systems Inc., FANUC Authorized System Integrator
Delkor Systems is a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced robotic packaging systems for the food, beverage and consumer products industries. We’re more than just a supplier—we’re your automation partner, delivering cutting-edge packaging equipment and turnkey systems tailored to your unique needs. Our secondary packaging and end-of-line solutions, along with advanced technologies like pouch case packing, pick and place robotics, and vision-guided systems, help you achieve maximum efficiency and guaranteed results.
Whether you’re packing flexible or rigid products, Delkor smooths your transition from package concept to production. Our 350 employees are dedicated to developing engineering solutions for you out of our 300,000 square foot manufacturing campus. We rely on over 50 years of history to offer perfectly integrated packaging systems and trustworthy aftermarket support to enhance your plant’s efficiency and capacity.
About KLN Family Brands
A third-generation family-owned company, KLN Family Brands is headquartered in Perham, MN and is comprised of Tuffy’s Pet Foods and Tuffy’s Treat Company, manufacturers of NutriSource® and Kenny’s Candy & Confections. Tuffy’s has been proudly producing quality pet foods since 1964. Kenny’s Candy & Confections, established in 2015, produces great snack brands that include Wiley Wallaby® and Sweet Chaos®. For more information on KLN Family Brands please visit www.klnfamilybrands.com.
