Kiwi co-op signs for milk metering system

The Fonterra Co-operative Group (New Zealand) is to collaborate with Bartec in developing a new range of milk metering and sampling equipment for the company's 450-strong tanker fleet.

Acknowledged as one of the world's most innovative manufacturers in the field of new product development and system solutions, Bartec's vast experience in providing fully integrated solutions to a whole host of electrical and electronic engineering problems has once again been recognised.

The Fonterra Co-operative Group (New Zealand) has recently announced plans to work with the company, on developing a new range of milk metering and sampling equipment for the company's 450-strong tanker fleet.

Fonterra's General Manager (Milk Supply), Steve Gunn, said: "Developments under consideration, included incorporating onboard devices such as specialist information technology on milk sampling, radio frequency identification tags in farm vats and the production of sample bottles to enhance the efficiency of Fonterra's milk collection operations".

Based on the company's existing Petrodat system, the fundamental installation comprises of a controller, a data cartridge reader and printer.

Delivery instructions are simply downloaded from a PC in the depot to the data cartridge which is inserted into the drivers cab.

Then, at each delivery/pick-up point, the system records every transaction detail (Customer identity, time and date of delivery, product type and volume delivered.) and finally prints a delivery note or invoice.

On return to the depot, the data cartridge is simply removed and downloaded for final invoicing and record keeping Bartec's German Managing Director, Dr Peter Froehlich and Head of Food Division, Andreas Worms confirmed that the agreement provided an opportunity to marry the latest developments in electronic metering and software technology with Fonterra's logistical expertise.

Gary Ashburner, Managing Director of Bartec (UK), explained: "With this new system, data can also be transferred automatically by GSM link, which means the tankers need not return to the depot to transfer their information".

"Any new or extra delivery instructions can easily be downloaded via the link, allowing unscheduled or emergency deliveries to take place at greatly reduced costs".

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