Christian Geisler
New Kretek Maker
The PROTOS-M4K kretek maker
GERMANY
Hauni’s PROTOS-M4K kretek maker is the result of a close development partnership with its customers.
The challenge was to design a new kretek maker. Not just any kretek maker, but the world’s most efficient machine for manufacturing clove cigarettes – a growing market in Indonesia and its neighboring countries. The idea was conceived in late 2014 during discussions with customers who specialize in the production of kretek cigarettes. A close development partnership was born from which the PROTOS-M4K emerged.
Hauni’s brand new PROTOS-M4 maker is the perfect starting point for the new product. It is a twin-rod machine capable of producing up to 10,000 cpm, while offering excellent quality and process reliability along with low wear. “In this development project, the priority was to focus on the unique aspects of processing kretek tobacco,” explains Patrick Fricke, head of marketing at Hauni. “An in-depth exchange of know-how was therefore essential. The result is the world’s most efficient kretek maker.”
Hauni’s solution was to equip the PROTOS-M4 with a kretek kit. Specially coated components were installed in various locations to provide the necessary resistance to the oil content of the cloves and minimize adhesion. “In addition, we fitted the machine with the VE-M8 – our largest feeder – and a separator designed specifically for kreteks to guarantee maximum stability and quality even with the high material throughput and unusual structure of the processed tobacco,” says Fricke. “The results of acceptance tests were impressive: the PROTOS-M4K achieved outstanding efficiency values and extremely low waste figures.”