Some automation projects are about speed. Others are about safety. Every now and then, you get both. That is exactly what happened at a bakery that recently deployed two Robotiq Palletizing Solutions.

They did not wait around. They saw the risk, calculated the ROI, and made a smart decision quickly. Here is what made this such a straightforward win.

From ergonomic strain to a smart investment

This customer makes English muffins that are used in a well-known fast food breakfast sandwich. They are not shipping to retail, but the volume is high, and everything is tray packed. These trays are not heavy, but they are bulky, awkward to stack, and repetitive to handle.

When the sales lead came in through one of our webinars, they already understood what they needed. They were concerned about repetitive lifting, and although they had not experienced a back injury yet, they saw the risk coming. Their goal was clear: improve safety, reduce strain, and avoid interruptions to their production schedule.

Why palletizing made perfect sense

They initially considered buying one palletizer to serve two packaging lines. But when they ran through the layout and product flow, they realized that switching between products would require rapid pallet replacement. Any delays would risk shutting down their packaging line.

So they chose to purchase two palletizing cells instead. Even with the increased investment, their return on investment was still under 12 months. That made the decision even easier.

Flexible equipment that adapts to change

Like many bakeries, this customer expects changes in packaging or tray sizes over time. They needed a solution that could keep up. The PE20 provided the reach and flexibility they needed, and Robotiq’s simulation tools helped them confirm that the system would fit their space and meet their handling requirements.

They appreciated how easy it was to adjust the configuration if their product needs evolved. That adaptability was just as important as the performance itself.

Installation handled by a trusted partner

Their local integrator, a Robotiq Expert Partner, handled the installation. While they did not choose to include Robotiq’s startup assistance package, we stayed available in case they needed support.

Our goal is to help customers succeed, whether through direct service or collaboration with trusted partners.

Two shifts, strong payback

The bakery runs two ten-hour shifts with a four-hour cleaning period. That kind of schedule makes the cost justification simple.

With two full-time operators handling palletizing, a Robotiq Palletizing Solution typically pays for itself in under a year.

When you add in overtime or extended shifts, the payback becomes even faster.

Room to grow

This brand has two facilities in the region. The first one has room for up to two more palletizers. The second site may need three or four. Beyond that, they operate other facilities under different brand names across the U.S. We are just beginning to explore those opportunities.

This is how one simple deployment can open the door to long-term automation success.

Why bakeries are a great fit for palletizing automation

If you have ever worked in a bakery, you know the trays. They are large, they stack high, and they are hard on the body. Just one back injury could cost more than a complete palletizing system. Even before injuries happen, the productivity gains alone can make a strong business case.

Palletizing automation in bakeries is not just about speed. It is about safety, consistency, and keeping your people healthy while keeping your lines running.

Final thoughts: start sooner, save faster

One thing I always tell customers is this. If you are still palletizing by hand, you are already spending more than you need to. Every day without automation is a day you are missing out on savings and taking on unnecessary risk.
If you are running long shifts, moving heavy trays, or relying on a small team to keep things moving, now is the time to consider a smarter way.

Want to see if Robotiq Palletizing Solutions can fit your factory needs? Answer a series of questions to find out in a matter of minutes!