Ice Cream Packaging Automation System
Idaho
A large dairy manufacturer required a centralized automation system to support multiple ice cream packaging lines within its Idaho production facility. The project included automation for bulk packaging operations as well as two novelty packaging lines, creating a coordinated system capable of managing product movement, inspection equipment, packaging integration, and conveyor operations throughout the production process.
Sentry’s Controls & Automation division developed and manufactured a custom automation platform that provides operators with greater visibility, control, and flexibility across multiple production areas. The completed system supports reliable product flow through packaging, inspection, freezing, and material handling operations while allowing production teams to adapt to changing products and packaging requirements.
Sentry’s Controls & Automation division designed, manufactured, and programmed a custom automation system supporting multiple ice cream packaging lines within a large dairy manufacturing facility in Idaho.
The project included custom control panels, conveyor automation, product diversion controls, safety systems, operator interfaces, alarm management, and communication with third-party packaging equipment. The centralized automation platform helps coordinate product movement throughout bulk packaging and novelty production lines while providing operators with visibility into system performance and equipment status.
Designed to support changing production requirements, the automation system allows operators to adjust conveyor speeds and operating parameters based on product and packaging needs. Variable frequency drives, automated control logic, and integrated safety systems help coordinate accumulation, diversion, inspection, packaging, and material handling operations throughout the facility.
The completed system communicates with packaging equipment including cartoners, case packers, checkweighers, metal detectors, spiral freezer systems, and additional OEM equipment, helping maintain reliable operation across multiple production lines while improving operational control and flexibility.
Centralized automation platform engineered to coordinate multiple ice cream packaging lines, conveyor systems, product handling equipment, and production operations throughout the facility.
Custom-built industrial control panels designed, assembled, tested, and manufactured in-house to support packaging equipment, conveyor systems, safety devices, and operator controls.
Custom PLC and HMI programming developed to provide operators with system visibility, alarm management, operational flexibility, and production control across multiple packaging lines.
Integration of packaging equipment, conveyor systems, inspection equipment, freezer systems, and OEM machinery into a unified automation platform.
Sentry designs, manufactures, programs, and integrates automation systems that help food and dairy manufacturers improve production efficiency, operational visibility, and process control. From custom control panels and PLC programming to startup and commissioning, our team delivers solutions built around your operation.
