Frank Jr. the industrial robot joins the ranks at Kent’s Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has moved to improve its packaging capabilities by investing in a new industrial robot.

The Faversham-based brewery has used a robot on its keg-filling line for the past twenty years, removing empty kegs from pallets and placing them on a conveyor for cleaning.

They’re then refilled and palletised again ready for loading and delivery.

Chief engineer Mark Bowes said: “When we installed the robot, we named it ‘Frank’ after former longstanding team member Frank Rush, who used to move and stack the cask and kegs back in the day.”

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But after more than two decades of service, Frank’s operating system had become outdated, and it was time for the company to invest in an upgrade.

Enter his successor, Frank Jr. – the first phase of a £400,000 programme of investment planned for Shepherd Neame’s keg plant over the coming year.

Provided by German firm KUKA and starting full operation this week, the new robot consumes less energy and is easier to maintain than his forebear.

Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth said: “When we decided to replace Frank with a newer model, it seemed apt to continue the tradition by calling the new robot Frank Jr.!

“He can process up to 2,000 kegs in one day and will help ensure we’re able to meet demand for our keg beers in the most efficient way possible.”