Thousands of sticks an hour,
every one in formation.

Throughput depends on the product, package format, line layout, robot configuration, tooling, and required pack pattern. Protein sticks, meat sticks, beef sticks, jerky sticks, multipacks, cartons, caddies, trays, and cases may all require different handling approaches and different rates. Depending on the product and configuration, JLS Kestrel can collate sticks at up to 600 per minute in a single-head configuration* (*depends on product and package type). JLS sizes the system around the product, SKU mix, line speed, and packaging equipment so the automation is built for the actual production requirement.

Changeover depends on the product family, stick size, package format, tooling, and system configuration. Many JLS systems use recipe-driven changeover through the HMI, with tooling and format changes designed to be as simple and repeatable as possible. During project development, JLS reviews the SKU mix, stick diameter, product length, package formats, collation patterns, sanitation needs, and changeover goals so the system can be designed around how the plant actually runs.

Yes. Product testing is often an important part of protein stick and snack stick automation projects. Product behavior can vary by diameter, length, weight, moisture, casing type, surface condition, temperature, package format, and how the sticks arrive at the automation. Testing product samples — or a close proxy, subject to project scope and availability — in JLS Flight Lab helps establish feasibility for the right feeder approach, collation method, tooling, pick method, conveyor control, placement approach, and system configuration before final design. This reduces project risk before the design is finalized; rate and performance are validated during the project FAT before shipment, with final commissioning completed at your facility.

Yes. JLS protein stick and snack stick automation can often be integrated into existing production and packaging lines. The final design depends on available floor space, product presentation, line speed, controls, sanitation access, upstream equipment, downstream packaging equipment, and required pack pattern. JLS reviews the full line so the automation fits the way the plant actually runs, instead of forcing the plant to work around a standard machine.

To evaluate a protein stick or snack stick automation project, JLS typically reviews the product type, stick diameter, product length, product weight, photos or videos of the current line, package format, target speeds, current labor model, sanitation requirements, available floor space, upstream equipment, downstream equipment, SKU mix, collation pattern, and the main production problem the system needs to solve. For meat sticks, beef sticks, snack sticks, jerky sticks, and multipacks, product behavior matters — rolling, spacing, orientation, surface condition, product consistency, and pack pattern requirements may require testing to validate the right handling method, feeder design, collation strategy, tooling, and robot configuration.

JLS protein stick and snack stick packaging automation systems are designed, built, programmed, and tested at JLS Automation in York, Pennsylvania. Support comes from JLS's in-house support team, with direct access to JLS engineering and programming expertise, including remote diagnostics, on-site service, training, parts support, and preventive maintenance.

Yes. JLS has robotic systems running in meat snack, protein stick, beef stick, snack stick, and cylindrical protein packaging applications across North America, including collation, carton loading, tray loading, multipack loading, and case packing. For each project, JLS reviews the product, packaging format, line speed, sanitation requirements, and production goals to design a system that fits the processor's actual plant environment.