Modernization and Upgrade of the Pasteurization Plant: Greater Efficiency and Reliability for Lactoproductos La Loma

Lactoproductos La Loma, a renowned Mexican company in the dairy sector, operates two production plants: one in Tlalnepantla, State of Mexico, and another in Celaya, Guanajuato, which began operations in 2019. At its Celaya plant, and true to its commitment to quality and innovation, the company identified the need to modernize its pasteurization system to support production growth and ensure operational continuity. Thanks to the collaborative work of all areas of the plant, the quality requirements of both current and future products were defined in detail, making it possible to identify the best technical solution for this challenge.

            

The Challenge

The plant was operating with two ARAX plate heat exchangers that, after years of service and with the increase in production and the incorporation of new products, began to show limitations: lower thermal efficiency, longer maintenance times, and potential production interruptions. The main challenge was to implement a solution that would allow replacing the equipment without affecting operations, adapting to future production demands, and ensuring installation in the shortest possible time.

The Solution

EDELFLEX proposed a comprehensive solution, which included the supply and installation of a new ARAX plate heat exchanger, along with the upgrade of critical components, mechanical and electropneumatic assembly, and full system automation, under a turnkey project approach.
Key components and services included:
- ARAX® NL100M plate heat exchanger, with AISI 316L plates and NBR gaskets, designed to maximize thermal efficiency and facilitate CIP cleaning.
- Centrifugal pump with double seal and frequency inverter, ensuring precise process control.
- Automation system, integrated with the existing PLC, including a new control and power panel, and advanced process instrumentation.
- New holding tube, optimized to meet the new process time and temperature requirements.
- Engineering services, including design, documentation, assembly, testing, and commissioning, as well as training for operating personnel.
- Carefully planned assembly, carried out jointly with the Celaya plant team to minimize downtime.
- Pre-assembled components in the workshop to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

The Results

Thanks to the implementation of this solution, Lactoproductos La Loma achieved:
- A complete modernization of its pasteurization system, making it more reliable and prepared for current and future production demands.
- Optimized heat transfer and a significant reduction in energy consumption.
- Minimized maintenance times and easier inspection tasks.
- Integration of automation with existing systems, improving process control.
- Increased operational reliability of the plant.
- Substantial improvements in quality control.

   

Client Testimonials

"From the very first moment the Edelflex Team assists you, you can feel the professionalism, knowledge, and responsibility that ensure the Project progresses properly both Technically and Economically. They have subject-matter experts who support you throughout the entire process and are always committed to improvement. Thank you, EDELFLEX Team."
– Ramón G. Maruri Morales, Manufacturing Director

"Working with the Edelflex team meant having a partner who understood our need for change, supported the process, and took ownership of the results for our organization. We couldn’t have had better project management—the results, delivered on time and as planned, have been excellent, positively impacting our operational indicators and the reliability of our process."
— Eudelia Hernandez, Deputy Director of Manufacturing

"This project created synergy between the EDELFLEX and La Loma teams, unifying criteria for its execution. This allowed us to establish standards that led to greater efficiency on the production line, with positive impacts on safety, productivity, quality, and maintenance. This was undoubtedly the outcome of a shared commitment, working side by side with the goal of delivering a high-quality product to the customer."
— Diego Ortiz Gallardo, Maintenance Chief

"The success of this project was defined by four words: VISION, PLANNING, COMMUNICATION, and ACTION—all interacting and setting priorities. In this project, success came from having a clear vision of the need, following established timelines, ensuring complete and effective communication in all directions, and, above all, executing activities with quality and order. We met all targets, exceeding expectations, with results reflected in higher product quality, process stability, and energy savings. Many thanks to everyone at La Loma and EDELFLEX who made this possible. It wasn’t luck—it was the consequence of our work."
— Ernesto Guerrero Gallegos, Instrumentation and Maintenance Planner