In the press: Logicon Invest Magyarország Kft. develops an automated industrial washer powered by robotics

Thanks to innovative high-end robotics, Logicon Invest Magyarország Kft. is implementing a unique project — procuring machines designed for robotized washing of automotive returnable packaging and crates. The investment is considered unique across Europe. Responding to our questions about the equipment and plant processes are István Tirpák, owner of Cordys Holding Vagyonkezelő Zrt. and Logicon Invest Magyarország Kft., and Zoltán Számel, Managing Director of Logicon Invest Magyarország Kft.

What prompted the investment?

Zoltán Számel: Logicon Invest Magyarország Kft. had planned to automate its processes for more than two years. The goal was to offset the growing labor shortage and to develop processes to meet rising quality requirements. In parallel, we set a key objective for automated lines to increase capacity significantly through continuous operation so we can serve more customers without issues.

It is crucial to keep pace with increasing customer demands and technological progress — it’s easy to fall behind competitors. Our investment is unique in this segment in Europe.

What exactly did you purchase and how does it meet quality requirements?

Zoltán Számel: We intended to automate our existing machine park while expanding it. We support automation with robots from one of the most renowned manufacturers. We did not want to risk less-known brands, even though many vendors today produce excellent equipment.

For almost four years we have been cooperating with a company in Slovakia on industrial packaging cleaning and have become their strategic partner. We began developing our machine park together back in spring 2017, so it was natural to implement the automation project jointly. Our partner’s continuous improvements helped us reach a high quality level. As a result, we can react immediately to emerging issues and handle them efficiently. The Slovak company supplies machines to several customers, and Logicon gladly serves as a reference. We are pleased that, following our example, another of their clients built an advanced facility as well.

At Cordys and Logicon, our business mindset includes daily monitoring of how we can improve results, where we can refine processes further, and timely selection of the innovations or tools needed.

What makes the equipment unique?

Zoltán Számel: Its uniqueness stems from bespoke developments and many years of experience. Automating industrial packaging-cleaning processes is rare. We serve well-known multinational carmakers with very specific needs — which can only be addressed through custom development. Because the items to be cleaned are diverse, automation posed a substantial challenge.

What will employees do after automation?

István Tirpák:

Automation does not mean a complete reduction in headcount — there are and will be tasks that require human input.

Our aim was to increase capacity and meet new demand; we are reallocating our existing workforce to higher-value activities. It is also important to note that robots require “servicing,” so with proper training we can retune our operations effectively.

Were the existing machines insufficient?

Zoltán Számel: No, but we cannot stop progressing. When a new customer approaches us, we cannot ask them to wait 6–7 months until we can scale capacity — that would mean falling behind, which we want to avoid.

By operating proactively, we aim to have additional capacity ready for potential increases in demand. This has always been a key strategic pillar for both Cordys and Logicon.

How much capacity increase do you expect? What are your expectations?

István Tirpák: Based on initial calculations, we will increase capacity by roughly 1.5× once all modules are commissioned and operate flawlessly.

We expect to adapt even more flexibly to market challenges while significantly raising our quality level.

The ongoing changes in the automotive industry impose stringent requirements on suppliers. Meeting them is possible through forward-looking solutions and innovation, which lead to better outcomes and improved company performance.

How many jobs can the technology replace?

Zoltán Számel: Our estimates indicate that automated processes can replace around 40–50% of human resources.

How simple is operator training?

István Tirpák: Introducing new equipment and processes is never easy — especially at this scale. Training is time-consuming and requires continuous supervision, and a new mindset is needed. New workflows can only be adopted step by step so that each task is clear to the shop-floor team. In automated processes every detail matters; if something deviates from plan, it can cause serious issues or even financial loss. Hence the importance of a well-structured training program. Language can also be a challenge, as interfaces are often only in English.

Key performance parameters

Zoltán Számel:

With the new automated processes, we can raise washer performance to 100–150% compared to the current 60–80% level.

This is a remarkable result, also because downtime almost disappears — there is no need to stop machines during shift changes.

How many pieces of equipment are included?

Zoltán Számel: The project will install 6 new robots, 1 new blister washer, 1 strapping and packing cell, and an automatic conveyor system connecting them.

Contribution to sustainability

István Tirpák: The automated system regulates chemical and water dosing by itself to meet cleanliness requirements, without manual intervention. This enables optimal (minimal) chemical concentration and significantly reduces water consumption — improving environmental indicators and the economics of the technology. Cordys and Logicon are committed to environmentally conscious operations and to minimizing our footprint.

What’s next?

Zoltán Számel: After the project is completed, we plan to extend automation to additional workflows. Robotized material handling is already common in logistics; introducing pallet movement to and from storage would significantly improve efficiency and storage utilization. In parallel, we will continue refining automated processes for even higher efficiency and safety.

István Tirpák: Innovation is one of our foundations; we constantly have new plans, and we believe this is the key to successful, long-term operations. Sustainability goals also play a prominent role.