Ergonomic Food Production with Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifters
Ergonomics, efficiency, and hygiene in food production, all made possible with stainless steel vacuum lifters. "80% of the physical work is gone. That’s a huge difference!" – Miljan Pepic, Process Operator
A Better Food Production Environment Through Ergonomics, Hygiene, and Efficiency
Kavli is a Swedish brand best known for their soft cheeses. The company also produce a wide range of sauces, mustard, yogurt, and more under other well-known brands. One particularly admirable part of Kavli’s business model is that they donate all their profits to charitable causes.
At their production facility just outside Stockholm, Kavli faced a challenge common in food manufacturing: the daily handling of heavy cheese blocks during the production of soft cheese. To address this, they decided—already ten years ago—to partner with TAWI for a safer, more efficient lifting solution.
The Challenge: Lifting Heavy Cheese Blocks Without Compromising Hygiene
In the production of soft cheese, large cheese blocks of various types and sizes must be lifted onto a conveyor, where they are transported into a mixing tank. These blocks weigh between 10 and 20 kg, with most averaging around 16 kg. Over the course of a full day, operators may lift anywhere from 10 to 16 tons of cheese by hand.
This physically demanding work came with high risks: muscle fatigue, strain injuries, and long-term back pain. To improve working conditions and employee well-being, Kavli began looking into TAWI’s lifting aids for ergonomic food production.
The Solution: Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifters with Food-Grade Suction Cups
The ideal solution turned out to be TAWI’s high-Speed vacuum lifters in stainless steel, equipped with food-grade silicone suction cups. Because the suction cups are in direct contact with the cheese, maintaining hygiene is critical. To support daily cleaning routines, the cups were designed with quick-release connectors, allowing them to be detached in seconds and cleaned in a dishwasher.
The lifters were mounted in a TAWI aluminium overhead rail system, enabling operators to move smoothly and effortlessly around workstations.
The Result: Happier Staff, Fewer Injuries, and Easier Lifting
Since implementing the lifting system, Kavli has used the vacuum lifters daily for the past ten years. According to Patrik Bolling, Maintenance Technician at Kavli, the shift from manual lifting to vacuum handling has led to reduced sick leave and an improved work environment.
Process Operator Miljan Pepic, who has been with Kavli for over 16 years, describes the impact:
“We’ve had the vacuum lifters for about ten years now. They’re used daily here at Kavli, and I can’t imagine production without them.”
He continues:“The old process was very physically demanding—we did almost everything manually. Today, it’s completely different. The work is far less physically intense, which has made a big difference for us. We’re very grateful to have them.”
Benefits of Stainless Steel Vacuum Lifters:
- Ergonomic handling in food production: Reduced strain and fewer workplace injuries
- Efficient workflow: Operators can lift the cheese block with one hand while removing plastic wrap with the other
- Hygienic design: Food-grade suction cups are safe for direct contact and easy to clean
- Improved workplace morale: Staff notice the difference in their daily routines
Looking to Improve Your Food Production Ergonomics?
At TAWI, we’ve spent years helping food producers handle everything from raw ingredients and liquids to sauces and packaged goods—safely and efficiently. Whether you need better hygiene, less strain, or smarter workflows, we’ll help you find the right lifting solution.