And more importantly: how to avoid them? It sounds like the ideal solution, and it should be: a turnkey project for a new filling installation. The supplier handles everything, from the initial design to the first filled bag. However, in practice, this process doesn't always go as smoothly as expected.

At Bates, we know the pitfalls. More importantly, through years of experience in turnkey projects, we know how to avoid them, alongside our customers. In this article, we explain how we tackle this at Bates.

Many factors influence the process; after all, a filling installation never stands alone. Product supply, available space and specific safety requirements must be perfectly aligned to guarantee a successful filling process. If one link in that chain fails, production stagnates. It is therefore essential that the 'key', from the moment it is acquired to the moment it is turned, is in expert, reliable and experienced hands. That key is held by Bates.

What are these potential pitfalls? We highlight three that can delay any turnkey project and share how we tackle them for our clients. After all, we all benefit when the ignition stays on and the installation keeps running.

Pitfall 1: paper is patient

Suppliers often design installations based primarily on theoretical product properties. However, in practice, powders and granulates often behave differently than what is stated on a datasheet. It may look perfect on paper, but reality can be quite different.

The Bates approach: We don't believe in assumptions. We analyze the physical properties of the product (flow rate, dust formation, density) before the first line is drawn on the drafting table. For us, engineering begins with understanding exactly what goes into the bag.

Pitfall 2: the black hole between installation and production

The machine is in place, the mechanics pack up their tools and leave. The switch is flipped, and you discover that the integration with the ERP system isn't seamless. Or, it turns out the operators don't know exactly how to perform the fine-tuning.

The Bates approach: We only leave once everything works as promised. This means not just that the motor is running, but that the installation has been fully tested under operational conditions and that your team knows exactly how to get maximum capacity out of the machine.

Pitfall 3: service as an afterthought

A turnkey project does not end at delivery. The biggest cost of a machine is not the purchase price, but unplanned downtime three years later. Many parties focus on the sale but are less equipped for long-term aftercare.

The Bates approach: Adequate service is as much a part of every project as a bag placer is to a filling machine. By considering ease of maintenance during the design phase and maintaining short lines of communication for spare parts and support, we safeguard long-term continuity. A useful side note: our filling installations are built so reliably and robustly that they rarely break down.

Partnership over supplier-ship

A successful turnkey installation stands or falls with a partner who looks beyond the filling machine. It's about understanding the entire process, from the first sketch to the final service call. At Bates, we understand the process because we’ve been at the heart of it for decades. And we act accordingly. We don’t just deliver; we stay involved. These filling installations are our ‘babies’ and we want to take good care of them, together with our partners. As for those pitfalls? At Bates, we’ve long since filled them in!

Ready for a key moment in your production? Don't be caught off guard by hidden pitfalls. Entrust the key to your turnkey project to a reliable treasurer, entrust it to Bates. We are happy to be your partner in bagging, dosing and automation. Let’s start a conversation to make your turnkey project a success!