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Swiss Chocolate Meets Modern Automation

Preserving Tradition. Advancing Technology.

Staedler Automation und Routeco Zusammenarbeit beim Retrofit für Maestrani

Behind every chocolate stick lies more than craftsmanship. It takes reliable production equipment, state-of-the-art control systems, and strong partners capable of delivering even the most demanding projects. Together with our technology partner Routeco, we successfully completed a forward-looking modernization project for Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG.

For more than 170 years, Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG has stood for premium Swiss chocolate and well-known brands such as Munz Prügeli and Minor chocolate sticks. To ensure the continued reliability of its high-volume daily production, the extrusion unit used for further processing of the chocolate mass underwent a comprehensive assessment.

Initial Situation: Outdated Control System with High Production Output

Maestrani’s extrusion line operated at a production rate of up to 296 pieces per minute. At the same time, the existing control technology was increasingly reaching its limits: spare parts were becoming difficult to obtain, the technical platform was outdated, and the risk of unplanned downtime was steadily increasing.

To ensure the long-term availability and operational reliability of the system, Maestrani decided to modernize the existing control system in a targeted manner.

Retrofit Maestrani Extruder Anlage

Migration Instead of Revolution

Rather than redesigning the entire production line, the existing control logic was analyzed in detail and migrated to a modern platform from Rockwell Automation.

While Routeco provided the technological foundation, including control systems, HMI, drive and servo technology, Staedler Automation was responsible for engineering, integration, and commissioning of the solution. In addition, the system underwent a comprehensive safety assessment. Staedler Automation carried out risk assessments, functional testing, validation procedures and derived recommendations for future optimization measures.

This approach preserved existing production processes while enabling Maestrani to benefit from the advantages of a modern automation platform.

The Results

The modernization delivered significant improvements across multiple areas:

  • More precise control of the extrusion process
  • Improved synchronization of all connected system components
  • Increased system availability and operational transparency
  • Enhanced diagnostic and maintenance capabilities
  • Improved operational safety
  • Future-proof spare parts availability
  • Long-term protection of production continuity
Mitarbeitende von Staedler, Routeco und Maestrani vor der Extruder-Anlage
Maestrani Schokolade Erlebniswelt
Schaltschrank der Maestrani Extruder-Anlage nach dem Retrofit

Client Feedback

“The collaboration was characterized by rapid response times, strong technical expertise, and a genuine understanding of our requirements. Together with Staedler Automation and Routeco, we completed the project exactly within the planned schedule and successfully secured the long-term future of our system.”
— Bojan Eggenberger, Head of Technical Services, Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG

Thank You for Your Trust

We would like to sincerely thank Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG for their trust and Routeco for the excellent and seamless partnership throughout the project. e are proud to help ensure that the tradition of Swiss chocolate continues to be supported by the most advanced technology available.