Latersud steps up innovation

The Italian brick manufacturer commissioned Marcheluzzo to upgrade the phases of fired product unloading and transfer to the packaging department.

As part of its goal of cutting costs, shortening processing times and reducing electricity consumption, Latersud recently commissioned Marcheluzzo to upgrade the section of the production line in which fired products are unloaded from the kiln cars and conveyed to the packaging department. The two companies enjoy a longstanding partnership, with Marcheluzzo regularly entrusted with new projects. Founded in 1975 in Taurianova (Reggio Calabria) and led by brothers Sebastiano and Gennarino Rendo, Latersud specialises in the production of wall blocks, floor blocks and hollow blocks.

Design, collaboration and productivity

Following an initial design study carried out in collaboration with the customer, Marcheluzzo developed a solution covering every stage of the process, from the arrangement of loads on the kiln cars to the positioning of products on the transport pallets. With a throughput of approximately 120 packs per hour of unloaded and packaged material, the custom-built line uses dedicated conveyor belts and a robotic system equipped with grippers capable of handling different formats.

Latersud’s goal was to achieve more efficient plant operation while ensuring safety for both workers and the environment. As part of the project, the dryer’s internal ventilation system was also replaced as the existing system was unable to guarantee uniform drying, particularly in the case of heavy blocks.

The new ventilation system for the semicontinuous dryer

Thanks to its many years of experience in drying technologies for both new plants and retrofits, including thermodynamic treatment in the sanitaryware industry, Marcheluzzo was able to propose the most suitable solution.

The new high-efficiency ventilation system ensures deep air penetration through the load, transferring the energy needed for water evaporation more effectively and delivering higher product quality with lower energy consumption.

The design features MT40 agitators installed in opposed pairs on the trolleys, allowing ventilation to extend to within a few centimetres of the tunnel ceiling.

To complete the upgrade, two new transfer systems for loading and unloading the dryer cars were installed, replacing the previous models which were now obsolete and unreliable. A new electrical panel for fan control was also added to further reduce energy use, together with a dryer supervision system for automatic monitoring of every stage of the drying process.

By working closely with Latersud to define its priorities and objectives, Marcheluzzo has been able to deliver solutions that align closely with the customer’s needs. The Rendo family’s forward-looking vision further strengthens a collaboration that is set to continue over time, confirming Marcheluzzo’s role as a reliable technical partner for future projects.