How We Cut Truck Unloading Time by 50% with Portable Modular Conveyor Systems at West Olive Nursery

Background:

West Olive Nursery & Olive Branch Retail Outlet is a family-owned business in West Olive, Michigan, that has been a staple in the community for over 43 years. They provide high-quality plants all year round to retail and wholesale customers. 

As their operations grew, they faced challenges in efficiently unloading plants from trucks. When introduced to Rapid-Veyor’s portable modular conveyor systems, West Olive recognized an opportunity to streamline their process.

The Challenge:

Reducing Labor and Time in Plant Unloading Operations

West Olive’s truck unloading process was time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring around 24+ man-hours per trailer. 

With the growing demand for their products, they needed a solution that would reduce unloading time, decrease physical strain on staff, and improve efficiency.

Their primary objectives were to:

• Cut unloading time by 50% or more
• Reduce the physical toll on employees
• Decrease labor costs by minimizing required manpower
• Limit product damage during unloading
• Increase operational efficiency

Our Solution:

The Rapid-Veyor 18” Portable Modular Conveyor (PMC) System

After assessing West Olive’s needs, we recommended our 18” wide Portable Modular Conveyor (PMC), optimized for handling a range of pot sizes and offering unmatched flexibility and mobility.

Key features of the PMC include: 

• Modular Design: Modular sections allow for easy setup and adjustments, perfectly fitting West Olive’s unloading area and flow.
• Lightweight and Durable: The PMC is easy to maneuver, ensuring quick deployment and smooth operation.
• Multi-directional Capabilities: Enabled West Olive to direct plant movement with precision, reducing handling time.
• Compatibility: Easily powered by any 120 VAC outlet or generator, providing reliable use across their facilities.

Product Selections

To take truck unloading to the next level for West Olive Nursery, we provided them with a top-of-the-line Portable Modular Conveyor (PMC) system designed to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. 

This system was engineered for optimal versatility, allowing the nursery to customize the conveyor for their specific unloading requirements.

Rapid-Veyor Portable Modular Conveyor (PMC) – 18” Wide:

• The conveyor chosen for West Olive was the newly released 18” wide PMC to accommodate the variety of pot sizes their plants are transported in.
• This model is built to enhance productivity with seamless modular design and multi-directional capabilities.
• This lightweight, durable conveyor belt easily connects to any 120 VAC outlet or generator, providing unmatched flexibility for the nursery’s busy operations.

The Results:

50% Reduction in Unloading Time and Over 50% Reduction in Man-Hours

The implementation of the PMC system delivered substantial, measurable improvements that helped Wild Olive’s bottom line:

• 50% Time Savings: Reduced unloading time from 6 hours to just 3 hours per fully loaded trailer.
• Over 50% Reduction in Man-Hours: Previously 24+ man-hours per trailer (4 employees for 6 hours) is now cut by more than half, significantly lowering labor costs and achieving a quick ROI.
• Improved Employee Well-being: With less physical strain, employees report increased morale and are able to maintain a sustainable work pace.
• Decreased Product Damage: The PMC system’s smooth operation minimizes product handling risks, ensuring plants arrive in pristine condition, ready for sale.

With these improvements, West Olive Nursery doubled efficiency and created a more productive and less physically demanding work environment, translating into long-term profitability and a rapid return on investment.

Efficiency That Pays Off: See Immediate ROI with Rapid-Veyor’s Conveyor Systems

West Olive Nursery’s experience showcases the clear, measurable ROI of Rapid-Veyor’s Portable Modular Conveyor Systems. By cutting unloading time by 50% and reducing man-hours by over 50%, our PMC systems quickly pay for themselves. 

These systems not only reduce labor costs, but also enhance employee well-being and protect product quality—key factors for long-term operational success.

Ready to see the numbers work for you? Contact us today for a free quote and discover how Rapid-Veyor’s solutions can transform your business’s efficiency and ROI.