M.H. – Material Handling

Luca Fontana

Il futuro della competitività passa dall’efficienza della propria linea di confezionamento

The future of competitiveness depends on the efficiency of your packaging line

It already works well as it is… do we really need to change?

This is the question many plant managers ask themselves when they look at their packaging line.

If the machines are running, orders are being fulfilled, and production continues, why intervene in something that appears to be working?

The truth is that “working” does not always mean “working at its best.”

A small bottleneck, an unexpected buildup, one manual step too many: details that often go unnoticed, yet over time erode productivity, margins, and delivery reliability.

Today, the efficiency of a line is not determined by the power of individual machines, but by the ability to integrate and harmonize every component into a balanced, seamless flow.

Conveyors: the circulatory system of the line

Just as blood carries oxygen through the body, conveyors represent the circulatory system of a packaging line.

They are responsible for synchronizing machinery, absorbing fluctuations, and preventing bottlenecks.

If the flow is not continuous and well balanced, even the most advanced machine loses its effectiveness and the risk of downtime increases.

Yet these systems are often underestimated already at the design stage, resulting in inefficiencies that are difficult to correct later on.

Different solutions for different needs

At M.H. Material Handling, we know that no two lines are the same. That is why our solutions are designed to adapt to very different products, spaces, and processes.

Heliflex LIFO Spiral System

Ideal for large product accumulation with heights not exceeding 90 mm. This double-spiral system finds its optimal sizing with between 200 and 500 meters of available space.

BAT-Buffer Modular System

Modular and compact, it is perfect for handling different product types and plant layouts. It is versatile, easy to integrate into existing lines, and has relatively limited footprint requirements. Its ideal size ranges between 100 and 150 meters of available space.

5L FIFO Multilayer Belt

Developed specifically for the confectionery sector, it enables gentle multilane transport upstream of the packaging stations, reducing the risk of product damage.

These solutions are complemented by mergers, dividers, elevators, and intelligent handling units, all designed to ensure increasingly smooth and fully integrated material flows.

Efficiency is much more than speed

Being efficient today does not simply mean “running faster.”

It means designing ergonomic lines that are easy to clean, hygienic, and capable of making the most of the available space.

It means having systems that reduce downtime, optimize energy consumption, and ensure a long-term return on investment.

Our solutions, entirely made in Italy, reflect these values: they are reliable, customized, and built to last.

With nearly forty years of experience in the food and pharma sectors, at M.H. Material Handling we do more than supply individual components.

We always start with layout consulting, analyze material flows, and develop integrated conveying and buffering solutions that transform plants into efficient and competitive ecosystems.

Our goal is simple: to help companies increase productivity and stability while reducing complexity and hidden costs.

If your line “already works well,” ask yourself: is it really expressing its full potential?

A custom-designed conveying system can make the difference between a line that merely runs and one that grows.

Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how to make your plant more fluid, safe, and efficient—without disruptive changes.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Dalla 879 alla UltimateSafeChain la stessa affidabilità, ma potenziata

From the 879 to UltimateSafeChain: the same reliability, enhanced

Today’s production lines demand increasingly high standards: higher speeds, lower noise levels, and greater safety.

The historic 879 chain, developed in the late 1980s and established as an industry benchmark, has long proven its strength as a tireless “workhorse” of conveyor lines.

MH Material Handling decided not to settle.

Drawing on nearly forty years of experience and direct, ongoing dialogue with field technicians, USC – UltimateSafeChain was created: an evolution that preserves the robustness of the 879 while integrating with new technologies to meet the real demands of modern industry.

Can something that already works perfectly really be improved?

The strength of the 879 BAT has never been in question: robust, versatile, andlong-lasting, it has earned the trust of operators because it “simply works.”

In particular, tangential drive has proven over time to be the most effective solution for managing LIFO accumulation systems, such as the BAT Buffer, ensuring stability and operational continuity.

However, through extensive field experience and ongoing dialogue with technicians, a key insight emerged: when the foundation is solid, it can be made even safer, quieter, and more efficient.

For this reason, we partnered with Ammeraal Beltech, integrating Safety Finger technology into our new USC chain, a solution already recognized for its strong focus on operator safety.

USC: the reliability you’ve always trusted, even better performance

The new UltimateSafeChain is not a break with the past, but its natural evolution.

It is fully backwards-compatible with existing lines: no system redesign is required—only the chain and sprockets need to be replaced.

The tangible benefits are immediate:

  • Higher operating speeds, increasing productivity without compromising stability.
  • Reduced noise levels, improving operator comfort and supporting compliance with industrial noise regulations.
  • Greater installable length, enabling more flexible and scalable system layouts.
  • Enhanced stability and safety, thanks to the integration of Safety Finger technology, which reduces the risk of accidents and unexpected stoppages.

All of this while preserving what operators already know and value: the reliability of tangential drive, a distinctive feature that continues to deliver top performance in buffering and accumulation systems.

Easy revamping that reduces downtime and hidden costs

One of the most critical aspects of plant modernization is the risk of downtime. Stopping a production line to replace components slows productivity and increases operating costs.

USC was developed with a clear objective: to simplify revamping.

No complex rebuilds, no full replacement projects—just the new chain and the corresponding sprockets are enough to transform an existing system into a more modern, efficient, and safer solution.

This approach fully aligns with the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) perspective: investing in next-generation components helps reduce hidden costs related to extraordinary maintenance, energy consumption, and unplanned downtime.

Why choose MH Material Handling

At MH Material Handling, every innovation is driven by listening to the real needs of industrial systems.

With USC, we chose to preserve what already works—the robustness and tangential drive of the 879 BAT—and enhance it with new technologies that address today’s requirements: higher speed, greater safety, lower noise, and improved efficiency.

This is not an “off-the-shelf” product, but a solution designed to last over time, reduce risk, and simplify the daily work of those who operate and maintain systems.

That is what sets us apart: transforming conveyors from simple components into true drivers of competitiveness for companies.

If the 879 BAT has been a cornerstone for nearly 40 years, USC – UltimateSafeChain marks the beginning of a new chapter: the same reliability, with higher performance.

Would you like to find out whether USC can make your line more efficient and safer without redesigning the system?

Contact us for a personalized consultation: together, we will assess how a simple upgrade can be turned into an immediate advantage.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Cosa succede quando il nastro trasportatore non è quello giusto

What happens when the conveyor isn’t the right one?

At first glance, it may seem like a small detail, just a component connecting one machine to another, nothing more.

In reality, the conveyor is the heart of the line: efficiency, hygiene, safety, and ultimately the quality of the product reaching the consumer all depend on it.

Yet too often, its selection is underestimated, as if one belt were as good as another. But that’s not the case.

Each application is different, every product has its own characteristics, and each plant has its own criticalities.

Treating the conveyor as a “standard” element means opening the door to unexpected downtimes, contamination, waste, safety issues, and hidden costs that grow over time.

A significant share of line stops doesn’t stem from mechanical failures but from synchronization and accumulation problems, a clear sign that conveyors impact production continuity much more than people think.

When the product is “naked” fresh or dry is not enough

Talking about “naked” products means addressing very different worlds. A dry croissant is not the same as a honey-covered bar, just as a filled cake slice cannot be compared to a cracker.

In the fresh sector, hygiene is paramount. Belts must be washable, cavity-free and easy to sanitize. Belts with internal fabric layers are not suitable: if the fabric emerges, it becomes impossible to clean properly.

That’s why monolithic belts are used, more rigid and less flexible, but capable of ensuring the highest hygienic standards.

In the dry sector, the range is broader: brittle products such as biscuits or crackers fit well on modular chain conveyors, which allow easy removal of crumbs.

But when coatings, creams, or jams come into play, PU belts are required, surfaces that can be scraped clean without damaging the belt.

Each product type therefore requires a targeted evaluation.

Packaged products, but where in the line?

Even a packaged product raises specific questions: is it located in a white zone or a grey zone? Does it require washdown capability or not?

Are high speeds, tight transfers, or low noise levels needed?

In general:

  • The tabletop chain conveyor is ideal for heavy loads, high speeds, and complex layouts.
  • The modular chain conveyor offers greater flexibility and smaller wrap diameters, but it’s less robust, has wider curve radii, and requires more maintenance attention.

If we’re in a washdown area, the structure matters too: at least the legs must be in stainless steel, if not the entire frame.

The choice, therefore, concerns not only the belt, but the whole operational context.

The invisible factors that make the difference

Beyond product features and packaging type, there are less visible but decisive variables:

Belt position

On the floor or overhead?

Overhead systems prioritize robustness, since maintenance interventions are more complex.

On-floor conveyors, instead, prioritize operator safety, requiring reduced-pitch chains to minimize risk.

Maintenance

How often will the belt need to be serviced? High frequency calls for easily removable and sanitizable designs.

Format variety

If the line handles multiple product types, flexible and adaptable systems are essential.

Finally, one basic principle must not be forgotten: machines never work in perfect synchronization. That’s why accumulation systems (buffers) are necessary to guarantee continuity and prevent line stops.

At M.H. Material Handling, we know these complexities well. For nearly forty years, we have been designing tailor-made conveyors for every type of line, product, and requirement – from fresh to packaged good.

Our solutions always start from listening: we don’t begin with a standard catalog, but with a real customer problem.

Whether it’s about handling a delicate product, freeing up floor space for operators, or optimizing flows in limited spaces, every project is co-designed together with the customer.

From the washdown SaniFlex line to the BAT system with USC chain, up to the ModulFlex conveyors with modular chains ,each technological choice follows a clear logic: transforming daily challenges into efficient, safe, and long-lasting solutions.

For us, automation doesn’t mean selling a machine, it means designing together the right answer to a real need.

Want to understand which solution best fits your line?

Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how to make your system smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Migliora la produttività sulla tua linea di confezionamento

Improve Productivity on Your Packaging Line

Increasing the performance and efficiency of your production line often requires a significant investment in both money and space.

However, there are aspects of your packaging line that can be optimized to make the most of the available space and boost productivity — all while staying within your planned budget.

Streamlining the product flow through your packaging process allows you to enhance the productivity of your entire production line. With the right solution, you can achieve this while respecting space constraints and maintaining sustainable costs.

If you want to find out which solutions best suit your needs, contact us and request our MH Scan Solution service: we will analyze your packaging line to identify how to refine and optimize your production setup.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Hygienic Design da semplice esigenza a requisito strategico per l’industria alimentare

Hygienic Design: From Basic Need to Strategic Asset in the Food Industry

In the food industry, hygiene isn’t just good practice—it’s an essential requirement for ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

But is designing machines that are “easy to clean” really enough?

The answer is no.

Preventing contamination and protecting the end consumer requires a much more advanced, structured, and systematic approach.

That’s why today we’re talking about Hygienic Design: a set of construction criteria, design choices, and specific materials developed to eliminate risk areas, simplify sanitation, and guarantee the highest standards in food safety.

Hygienic Design in the Spotlight: Why It’s Transforming Food Production

In recent years, tighter regulations and a growing focus on food safety have brought Hygienic Design to center stage.

Food manufacturers are dealing with increasingly automated processes—and maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the entire line, including the most complex phases like internal transport and handling, is now a top priority.

Key challenges include:

  • Preventing cross-contamination, both microbiological and chemical.
  • Ensuring fast and effective cleaning of every product-contact surface.
  • Reducing water and detergent consumption to meet both sustainability goals and cost control.
  • Complying with EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group) guidelines, now a benchmark across the European industry.

Hygienic Design Is More Than Just Stainless Steel

Many think Hygienic Design simply means using stainless steel—but that’s only part of the story.

A proper approach starts with material selection but extends to surface geometry, accessibility for cleaning, the absence of gaps and stagnation areas, and tool-free disassembly of washable components.

Among the most common materials, AISI 304 stainless steel with bead-blasted or 2B finishes is standard for frames and load-bearing structures.

But plastic materials also play a key role. For instance, M.H.’s Saniflex system uses polypropylene chains with polyketone pins—highly resistant to the chemical agents used during sanitation.

Saniflex: Designing Hygiene with No Compromise

M.H. Material Handling developed the Saniflex system specifically to meet the toughest requirements of the food industry, particularly in dairy production.

In these environments—where processing fresh and packaged cheese demands absolute cleanliness—standard solutions simply aren’t enough.

Saniflex stands out thanks to:

  • Fully open frame design that prevents build-up and supports efficient drainage.
  • Tool-free removable components for fast and easy daily or deep cleaning.
  • Chains resistant to aggressive detergents but fully compliant with food-grade regulations.
  • Reduction in water and detergent use compared to traditional systems.

The result?

A solution that enhances productivity, guarantees hygienic safety, and supports environmental sustainability targets.

Invisible Contamination: The “Forever Chemicals” Risk

Hygienic Design isn’t just about bacteria and mold.

Today, manufacturers must also consider chemical contamination from persistent substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals.” These may come from the environment, industrial coatings, or even the detergents used on production lines.

Designing equipment that’s easy to clean also means reducing surface exposure to these chemicals.

With Saniflex, manufacturers can:

  • Reduce washing cycles.
  • Use gentler, less aggressive detergents.
  • Minimize the risk of transferring harmful substances onto the product.

When Hygienic Design Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Hygienic Design is a strategic investment that brings measurable benefits:

  • shorter downtimes,
  • longer equipment lifespan,
  • lower cleaning costs,
  • stronger food safety,
  • regulatory compliance.

At M.H. Material Handling, these principles are a cornerstone of our engineering.

With solutions like Saniflex, we combine technological innovation, operational efficiency, and full adherence to the strictest international guidelines.

Wondering if your production line meets today’s hygiene standards?

Book a free consultation with our experts via our MH Scan Solution service: we’ll assess your system’s critical points and show you how to optimize safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Perché la ricerca di sostenibilità nel packaging alimentare sta cambiando il nostro modo di lavorare MH

Sustainability in food packaging: how to keep up?

Switching to sustainable packaging is never easy: it requires time, investment, and careful planning.

One aspect that is often underestimated is the adaptation of conveying systems: without modern solutions, you risk ending up with innovative packaging but a slower and less efficient production process.

At MH, we are constantly committed to supporting you in making your packaging more sustainable. In particular, for the conveying part we offer solutions such as the Magic Sorter or the Intralox END system, both ideal for handling the new types of sustainable packaging.

In addition, with our MH Scan Solution – an in-depth analysis service of your packaging line – we help you optimize the production layout with a view to sustainable packaging.

Contact us to discover how to get your line ready for change.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Quando la produttività non può fermarsi l’efficienza del Bat Buffer

When Productivity Can’t Stop: Discover the Efficiency of the BAT Buffer

In the packaging industry, where every interruption can result in productivity loss, accumulation systems become strategic components to maintain performance and output. One ideal solution is the BAT Buffer by M.H. Material Handling, which we explore below.

The Heart That Keeps Your Line Alive

The BAT Buffer operates using a LIFO (Last In, First Out) logic and is designed to manage micro-stoppages typical in packaging lines. In the event of a downstream stop, the system automatically diverts incoming products to the accumulation buffer, keeping upstream machines running.

The BAT Buffer features a spiral structure that alternates straight and curved sections. This design maximizes available space, offering up to 150 meters of accumulation capacity with a single motor. The straight sections range from 2.5 to 6 meters, while the curves have an average radius of 200 mm, allowing adaptation to complex layouts.

Precision Control, Down to the Millimeter

During loading, products are guided into the buffer with a consistent pitch, regulated via inverter, preventing overlaps or damage—crucial for delicate or pressure-sensitive packaged goods.

Once normal operations resume, the BAT Buffer reverses direction and gradually releases the products back into the production flow. This can be done via an orthogonal transfer unit (to maintain product orientation) or a dynamic combiner for high-speed lines.

The average emptying time, from a full configuration, ranges from 15 to 25 minutes depending on installed capacity and downstream speed.

Recover What You Thought Was Lost

One of the BAT Buffer’s standout features is its ability to recover production lost to micro-stoppages. If downstream machines have an extra 10-20% capacity, the system can completely eliminate these losses by the end of a shift.

Its mechanical structure also enables quick switching between loading and unloading phases without needing full accumulation, helping to regularize the production flow. This operational flexibility makes it ideal for lines subject to frequent format changes or sudden production peaks.

Engineered to Fit, Wherever Needed

The BAT Buffer is ideal in sectors where output sequencing is not critical:

  • Bakery and confectionery products
  • Coffee and vacuum-packed goods
  • Other long shelf-life items

The structure is available in anodized aluminum for standard applications or AISI 304 stainless steel for environments requiring higher hygiene standards, such as cleanrooms. It supports occasional washing without compromising performance.

Its pressure-free design and modular components make it suitable for integration into existing plants, facilitating revamping operations.

See It Live

For those interested in discovering the BAT Buffer’s full potential, M.H. Material Handling will be exhibiting at IPACK-IMA 2025 in Milan from May 27 to 30, Pavilion 7, Booth B21.

For the first time in Italy, the compact infeed/outfeed system of the BAT Buffer—already praised at FachPack 2024—will be presented. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at an exclusive feature designed for those who recognize technical evolution at first glance.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Le nuove sfide del confezionamento tra automazione e sostenibilità

The new Challenges of Packaging between Automation and Sustainability

In the packaging industry, sustainability is no longer an option, but achieving it inevitably involves additional costs.

Automation can provide a concrete solution: by improving the efficiency of production lines, it helps offset the costs required for sustainability, becoming a strategically.

This, of course, requires taking into account three key variables that determine the success of a project.

Integrating automation systems is not always straightforward: structural constraints and limited space often come into play, requiring creative and innovative solutions.

True success comes from finding the right balance between investment, productivity, and space optimization.

This is why at MH we support our clients with MH Scan Solution: our design approach that starts from the very beginning, considers all variables at play, and guides automation toward the best possible outcome.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Catena modulare o a tappeto La guida pratica per scegliere la spirale giusta

Modular Chain or Tabletop? A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Spiral

When it comes to optimizing efficiency in modern production layouts, one solution makes a real difference: the spiral conveyor.
Compact, versatile, and tireless, the spiral is one of the most effective technologies for utilizing vertical space, streamlining flows, and ensuring operational continuity—even in the most complex plants.

But be careful: not all spirals are the same.

To get the most out of your line, choosing the right spiral is essential—and the details make all the difference.

Which spiral is better? It depends on your needs:

  • Tabletop chain spiral → ideal for high-speed, compact layouts with packaged products
  • Modular chain spiral → perfect in environments requiring sanitization, frequent washdowns, and the handling of unpackaged products

Transported materials, hygiene requirements, cleaning frequency, available space: every plant is unique.

In this post, we guide you step-by-step through the key technical and practical differences, share a real case study, and help you identify the perfect spiral for your packaging line.

spirale Ambaflex con catena tabletop La guida pratica per scegliere la spirale giusta
Tabletop Chain Spiral Ambaflex

Tabletop Chain Spirals: Maximum Efficiency, Minimal Footprint

Tabletop chain spirals are designed for durability and consistent performance, even at high speeds. Equipped with roller bearings that increase load capacity and strength, they’re ideal for:

  • Packaged products with minimal sanitation requirements
  • High-speed applications requiring continuous flow
  • Compact layouts with space constraints
  • Product flow from primary packaging to palletizing

If you’re looking for maximum efficiency in a compact layout, this is the spiral for you.

Our collaboration with Ambaflex has proven the reliability of this technology—delivering top performance and optimized design even in space-critical settings.

However, be aware: this is not the right choice for environments that demand high hygiene standards.

spirale Intralox con catena modulare La guida pratica per scegliere la spirale giusta
Modular Chain Spirals Intralox

Modular Chain Spirals: Sanitization and Flexibility

In more sensitive environments, where cleaning is a priority, modular chain spirals provide a key advantage.

Made from food-grade certified materials, they ensure:

  • Enhanced hygiene and cleanability
  • Design that minimizes product and water retention
  • Compatibility with unpackaged products
  • Seamless integration with ovens, freezers, or coolers

This is the ideal choice for clean rooms, post-process zones, or areas with frequent washdowns.

The Most Advanced Solutions?

Our partner Intralox offers multiple advanced options, including:

  • OverDrive – Ideal for mixed environments with semi-packaged products and freezer exits
  • SideDrive – Offers greater layout flexibility and high washdown capability
  • DirectDrive – Optimized for extreme environments, including sub-zero temperatures

Thanks to our partnership with Intralox, we’re licensed to build OverDrive and SideDrive spiral systems for our applications.

The Right Choice Comes from Real Needs

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” spiral—only the one that best fits your plant.

If you handle packaged products and need speed, compactness, and reliability, the Ambaflex tabletop spiral is a great solution.

If your environment requires frequent washdowns or delicate product handling, the Intralox modular chain spirals offer top-notch safety and hygiene performance.

A Real Case: When Hygiene Is the Priority

Let’s get practical.

One of our clients needed to install a spiral conveyor in a clean room with frequent washdowns—even though the food products never made direct contact with the conveyor.
Here, the priority was minimizing water stagnation and ensuring rapid, effective cleaning.

The solution?

A modular chain spiral, built for hygienic environments and low maintenance. A system that delivered safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

Need Help Choosing the Right Spiral for Your Line?

Let us help.

With our MH Scan Solution, we offer a free technical check-up of your production line. We’ll analyze your plant layout, identify critical needs, and propose the most effective, safe, and goal-aligned spiral system.

Request your free check-up today and discover how to truly optimize your space and product flow.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
Pezzi di ricambio e manutenzione dei nastri trasportatori

Spare parts and conveyor belt maintenance: what you need to know

Finding the right time to perform maintenance on your conveyor belts can make all the difference for your business. With the right method and proper knowledge, maintenance can become a real advantage—without unnecessary downtime.

If you want to know whether it’s time to replace your conveyor belt and learn more about our scheduled maintenance programs, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thanks to the MH Scan Solution service, we analyze your packaging line to identify areas for improvement and offer you the most effective solutions to boost productivity and make your line truly competitive.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
READ
MH banner blog 240023 20240220 FE EN
MH banner blog 240023 20240220 NL EN

Follow us

Linkedin Youtube Facebook Icon-twitter-x

Categories

Recenti

Insights, ideas and news
about product handling

Popup Newsletter

Categories

optimize the packaging process
Newsletter MH Material Handling en

Follow us

Linkedin Youtube Facebook Twitter

Recents