Finding labor, and in particular skilled labor, is a challenge nowadays. 9 years ago, Mécaflor already partly tackled this challenge by introducing their hand-tied bouquet-making machine, enabling non-skilled workers to create uniform and complex hand-tied bouquets at an industrial pace. Since its launch in 2014, they already sold nearly 100 machines in all continents and now, they are also presenting options of producing twisted bouquets on the same machine, but then with fewer workers.
Arnaud Nouhant talking with clients at the IFTF, 2023
A more flexible machine
According to Arnaud Nouhant, export sales manager at Mécaflor, the machine is more flexible than many think. “In many people’s minds, our carousel-type belt had to be operated by a dozen workers. We are now proposing configurations enabling to run the machine with only 3 operators”, he says. “For a 12-stem bouquet, the productivity will be over 200 bouquets per hour, each operator placing 4 stems in the bowl. The same recipe can be programmed on the software to be produced with 12 operators, each handling 1 stem. The productivity then rises to 1200 bouquets per hour, and can even go up to 1500”.
The machine is not only flexible in the number of people operating it, but it can also process all types of flowers or foliage. “Including pistachios”, he continues. “There's no restriction as the stems are placed manually with precision. As florists do, a specific flower like a gerbera will be turned in the right direction. In the end, you get a high-end twisted bouquet, that could even be done with two storeys and up to 40 stems. The result is stunning for those who have never seen one of our machines in operation.”
On top of that, one can also produce two different recipes at the same time.
High sales prospects
This new approach can correspond to many businesses' needs, explains Nouhant. By presenting this new approach, Mécaflor expects numerous new sales for their machine, of which nearly 100 machines are already sold. Also at the IFTF, where they presented the machine and this new approach, they already received a lot of interest. Nouhant: “Our best advertising is probably that more than half of our customers bought a second machine or more, sometimes a couple of years after the first one. No doubt, it is extremely reliable and provides fast ROI. The value for money is unbeatable for such a versatile machine, as you’re looking at less than 100.000€ for a complete 12-meter version, including a binding unit and a cutting unit with waste extractor.”
The single workstation
The other approach that was presented at the IFTF is the single workstation, which uses the same patented bowl and software as the belt but requires only one worker. “Step by step, they can complete twisted and harmonious bouquets that will all be identical.” So, how does it work? “It guides production using LED lights linked to the recorded bouquet program. Production can be monitored in real-time on a tablet or phone. Tables are optional, and available in different configurations: 2, 4, or 8 compartments, with the possibility of having tables on both sides. On top of that musculoskeletal disorders, especially carpal tunnel syndrome, are no longer an issue compared to a completely manual process.”
According to Nouhant, it is an ideal complement to their hand-made bouquet belt. “Our customers can use it for smaller series. It was great to have it at the show, many visitors were able to try it and made quality bouquets at the first attempt”
or more information
Mecaflor
Arnaud Nouhant
+33 (0) 251 130 118
Email: [email protected]
www.mecaflor.com