A study was conducted to determine the break-even point of three comparative fluid milk casing and stacking operations.

The first comparative models consisted of two filling machines with the processed cartons manually cased and stacked, compared with automated casing and stacking, on a cost basis. The second comparative models consisted of three filling machines with the processed cartons cased and stacked as in the first comparative models. The third comparative models consisted of four filling machines with the processed cartons cased and stacked as in the first and second set of models.

The break-even point of the first comparative models was not reached within a 24 hour period based on 260 operating days per year. However, components of automation in the packing handling phase of the fluid milk plant operation were considered.

The break-even point of the second comparative models was reached after 18-1/2 hours of operation. It is advisable for the operator of this combination of filling equipment to consider automation if he is operating the plant more than 18-1/2 hours per day. If this is not feasible, then those components of automation should be considered that would result in the greatest reduction in the packing handling costs of the processed milk.

The break-even point of the third comparative models was reached at slightly over seven hours of operation. The operator will realize a savings by installing the automated equipment if it is operated at or above seven hours per day.