M.H. – Material Handling

Industry innovations

Saniflex l’Hygienic Design secondo MH Material Handling

Saniflex: Hygienic Design by MH Material Handling

Anyone working with fresh cheese, meat, fish, or ready meals knows how challenging it is to maintain high hygiene standards without compromising production efficiency. In such environments, every detail can make the difference between a high-performing line and a potential risk.

That’s why MH Material Handling developed Saniflex: a conveyor system designed to combine food safety, easy cleaning, and continuous operation.

A solution developed directly in the field, based on real industry needs

Saniflex is not a catalogue product—it’s the result of years of hands-on experience working closely with real food manufacturing environments. In facilities where cleaning must be frequent, thorough, and fast, every component has been designed to simplify sanitation procedures, minimizing time, resource consumption, and contamination risks.

Key features include:

  • open frame with sloped surfaces to prevent water stagnation and support proper drainage;
  • no blind spots, eliminating areas where residues could accumulate;
  • tool-free removable components to ease daily disassembly;
  • polypropylene chain with polyketone pins, highly resistant to common chemical cleaning agents;
  • stainless steel frame in AISI 304 or 316L, with bead-blasted or 2B finish to reduce dirt adhesion and improve cleanability.

Measurable results: less water, fewer stops, higher efficiency

In real-life installations and testing phases, Saniflex has proven to deliver tangible benefits. The system is built to handle frequent cleaning cycles—even several times a day—without hindering productivity.

Key advantages:

  • up to 50% reduction in water and detergent consumption, thanks to faster and simpler cleaning;
  • less downtime, due to quick disassembly and washing;
  • compatible with Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems and monolithic belts like Thermodrive, meeting the requirements of modern production lines.

Saniflex can be seamlessly integrated into both new installations and existing lines. Its modular design allows for high layout customization, addressing space, process, and configuration constraints. Each project is supported by MH’s technical team to ensure optimal integration and performance.

The MH approach: no off-the-shelf solutions, only tailor-made systems

At MH Material Handling, every solution starts from a real need. Saniflex is the perfect example: a system developed for those who don’t want to choose between hygiene and productivity—but demand both. With Saniflex, hygienic design is more than a feature—it’s a real added value.

Want to know if your line meets the highest hygienic standards?

Book a free consultation with MH Scan Solution: together we’ll assess your plant, identify critical points, and propose the best solutions to turn your line into a hygienic, efficient, and compliant system.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Heliflex

HELIFLEX: a unique multipurpose buffer system

If you are looking for a multipurpose buffer system that can be used in different situations, Heliflex is definitely the right solution for you.

Today I decided to focus on its most classical use, i.e. as a ‘simple’ buffering system, from how Heliflex works to the products for which it is most commonly used.

Thanks to both its cylinders rotating in sync, Heliflex is a very cost-effective system: in fact, it enables the buffer of a higher number of items within a smaller space, thanks to its single motor.

If you would like more information on this multipurpose buffer system and would like to find out if it is right for you, do not hesitate to contact us and ask for our MH Scan Solution, an in-depth diagnosis to analyse and optimise your packaging line.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Innovazioni alimentazione pallettizzatori tendenze attuali e futuro

Innovations in Palletizer Feeding: current trends and future

In modern packaging lines, palletizer feeding plays a crucial role in ensuring a continuous and smooth production flow. Although the use of low-pressure accumulation conveyors is now well-established, in recent years we have witnessed a real technological evolution that has redefined operational methods in this field.

From Limited Slip Rollers to Modular Chains

In the past, palletizer feeding was mainly managed through friction rollers. Today, the trend has shifted to the use of modular chains with embedded rollers, which, although requiring a higher initial investment, offer numerous advantages.

Modular chains ensure:

  • Simplified maintenance, maintenance operations faster and more efficient. Time reduced by up to 50%.
  • Better product handling, thanks to the denser pitch of the modular chain’s idle rollers compared to friction rollers, allowing for the handling of smaller products and better preservation of their integrity by reducing specific pressure.
  • Long-term efficiency, as the higher initial investment is widely compensated by operational benefits that translate into reduced maintenance costs over the years.

Aerial Lines: An Increasingly Popular Strategy

Another growing trend in feeding lines is the installation of conveyors on high ground, hanging from the ceiling or supported by columns, a solution previously reserved for large productions but now spreading even to small plants.

This is because the advantages of overhead lines include:

  • Space optimization, as they free up the work floor, allowing for better management of areas in the plant.
  • Better ergonomics, as they facilitate operator movement and increase safety within the plant.
  • Integration with automation, as they allow the use of automated transport systems, further optimizing productivity.

This is another interesting point, as the increasing use of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) for material handling within plants makes it even more advantageous to have free and well-organized spaces.

Feeding Lines with Automatic Format Change: The New Frontier

In recent years, there has also been an increase in demand for feeding lines with automatic format change, a technology that allows switching from one format to another from the control panel. This is pretty much mandatory for aerial lines, where manual changeovers would be extremely time consuming. This solution has become particularly useful for companies that need to manage an increasingly varied range of products or operate in markets where demand changes rapidly.

Automatic format change allows for:

  • Production flexibility: Minimizes downtime during format changes, ensuring continuous production.
  • Reduction of operational costs: Minimizes manual interventions and optimizes the use of human resources.
  • Increased productivity: The ability to quickly change formats allows for maintaining high production volumes, ensuring superior efficiency.

Advanced Solutions from MH Material Handling to Optimize Your Production

At MH Material Handling, we are dedicated to providing tailored solutions to improve the performance of production lines, integrating innovations such as modular chains and overhead lines. Investing in advanced technologies for palletizer feeding is a strategic choice to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and increase long-term productivity, while maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to the challenges of a constantly changing market.

MH Material Handling is by your side to guide you towards more efficient and versatile production. Contact us to find out how we can optimize your feeding line and ensure its future competitiveness.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Come rendere la tua linea di confezionamento efficiente e anche sostenibile

How to make your packaging line efficient and sustainable?

In recent years, sustainability has become a central theme, not only in mass communication but also in industry. However, when people talk about sustainability, often they only think about the environmental aspect, neglecting other equally important factors, such as economic sustainability.

The packaging sector is also following this trend, increasingly resorting to packaging that uses less plastic or innovative, compostable materials. In parallel, another aspect is becoming increasingly important: production efficiency and waste reduction.

In fact, making production more efficient also means making it more sustainable.

Packaging lines, especially in the food industry, are complex systems consisting of numerous machines working in series or in parallel. Although each individual machine can be highly efficient, the overall efficiency of the line inevitably tends to decrease due to inevitable operational discrepancies or short interruptions.

Conveyors, which act as the circulatory system of these lines, can benefit greatly from the integration of a buffer or accumulation system, which helps to recover lost efficiency.

The role of accumulation systems in the sustainability of lines

Accumulation systems, or buffers, within the line are crucial in keeping the production process smooth. For example, when one machine works intermittently while another requires a constant flow, interruptions in the packaging process can occur. Traditionally, these problems have been solved with simple parking conveyors, but idle stops require more sophisticated solutions to manage production efficiently and without waste.

This is where the BAT Buffer from M.H. Material Handling comes in, an innovative accumulation system that meets these requirements perfectly. At FachPack, we will be presenting an updated version of our BAT Buffer, the result of years of experimentation and valuable feedback from our customers, making it the ideal solution today to ensure smooth, waste-free production.

BAT Buffer: M.H. Material Handling’s solution for efficient and sustainable packaging

The BAT Buffer is a flexible storage system with a configurable structure in anodised aluminium or AISI 304 stainless steel, designed to fit a wide range of products. This spiral device offers up to 150 metres of buffering space using only one motor, a feature that makes it highly efficient in terms of energy and space consumption.

The system is composed of spirals with straight sections varying in length between 2.5 and 6 metres and curves with an average radius of 200 mm, thus minimising the cross section. The technology behind the BAT Buffer allows it to operate with LIFO (Last In, First Out) logic: when downstream machines stop, products are temporarily stored in the buffer. The movement of the chain, controlled by an inverter and a photocell, allows the products to be placed in the buffer without them coming into contact with each other, maintaining zero pressure and preventing damage.

Benefits of the BAT Buffer: efficiency, waste reduction and sustainability

One of the distinguishing features of the BAT Buffer is its ability to manage the flow of products extremely efficiently. When downstream machines come back into operation or in the event of an upstream production stoppage, the buffer can reverse direction and start unloading products. A merging system allows products from the buffer to be mixed with the normal production flow, thus eliminating end-of-shift losses. This process is particularly advantageous for sectors such as bakery products, confectionery, coffee and many others.

Conclusion

In an increasingly sustainability-oriented industrial environment, the BAT Buffer from M.H. Material Handling is an ideal solution for food companies seeking to combine production efficiency and environmental sustainability. With its ability to reduce waste and optimise the production flow, the BAT Buffer not only improves the efficiency of packaging lines, but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the food packaging industry.

M.H. Material Handling will be present at FachPack 2024, Hall 7A, Stand 757, to present the BAT Buffer and other innovative solutions. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover how to improve the sustainability and efficiency of your packaging line!

Take your free ticket and come to FachPack 2024
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Strategie vincenti per l’automazione delle linee spazio logistica e scalabilità

Winning Strategies for Line Automation: Space, Logistics, and Scalability

Packaging line automation represents a major opportunity to boost production efficiency, especially in emerging markets. However, to achieve real benefits, every phase of the process must be carefully planned.

In many facilities, automation stops at primary packaging, with downstream processes still relying heavily on manual labor. While this might seem like the easiest and quickest option, it limits productivity and scalability.

The implementation of new automated systems should not be improvised but must respond to a clear goal: reducing format variability and improving production flow. The temptation to rapidly replace manual operations with advanced machinery must be balanced with a critical consideration: the flexibility of human operators is difficult to replicate without substantial investment.

Planning Automation: Space, Ergonomics, and Logistic Connections

One of the most critical aspects of integrating new machines is managing the available space. It’s not just about the machine’s physical footprint, but also the area needed for operation, maintenance, and safe operator passage. From the start, it is essential to consider ergonomic implications: a line that hinders staff movement or access to equipment not only reduces efficiency but also increases the risk of accidents.

Furthermore, automation cannot be separated from warehouse logistics. Increasing productivity inevitably means more inbound and outbound material flow. Without an automated system for product handling and transport, bottlenecks may arise that cancel out the benefits of automation. Elevators, shuttles, and warehouse robotics are becoming indispensable to ensure operational continuity.

A Step-by-Step Approach: Why Phased Automation Works

Many companies, driven by the need to stay competitive, try to implement automation all at once. While this approach may seem faster and more effective, it carries several critical issues. A radical overhaul may cause weeks or months of production stoppage, significantly affecting operational costs and order fulfillment.

Instead, a gradual implementation allows each phase to be validated before moving forward. This approach minimizes errors, helps operators gradually adapt to new technologies, and ensures that each integration is optimized for the existing workflow.

The goal of well-structured automation is not only to boost productivity but also to ensure a smooth transition without compromising product quality or line organization.

M.H. Material Handling: Your Partner for Smart Automation

Transitioning to automation requires experience, expertise, and strategic vision. M.H. Material Handling supports companies in designing and implementing customized automation solutions that balance innovation, efficiency, and operational sustainability.

Through our MH Solution Scan service, we provide a detailed analysis of your packaging line to identify improvement areas and recommend the best solutions. If you’re considering automation to increase productivity and streamline flow management, contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you transform your production line into a high-efficiency, competitive system.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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Quanto costano sostenibilità e sicurezza alimentare

How much do sustainability and food safety cost?

If you want a system that meets the highest hygiene standards and it is also sustainable, you should know that the initial investment will be significant. But there’s good news for you…

The higher upfront cost of a safe and sustainable packaging line for food products will more than pay off — not only through long-term cost savings, but also thanks to the strong reputational advantage you’ll be able to associate with your brand.

If you’re ready to move towards a more hygienic and sustainable design, don’t hesitate to contact us: request our MH Scan Solution, an in-depth diagnosis to analyze and optimize your packaging line.

Improve the efficiency of your packaging line with our MH Scan Solution
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