Hawaiian Host is the largest manufacturer of chocolate-covered macadamias in the world, with millions of boxes of the treats distributed around the globe. According to its website, the company “combines premium ingredients – handcrafted milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Hawaiian honey, Kona coffee, to name a few – with dry-roasted macadamias to create its signature delights” (Website Hawaiian Host). Hawaiian Host has now taken a big step forward in packaging. Watch a video of Chris Rabago getting his first look at Cama’s new equipment. The robot, which is protected by glass walls in the video, allows the chocolate-covered macadamias to be packaged at high speed in a small space. This is important because rental and construction costs in Honolulu are very high and factory expansions are difficult and expensive. It’s actually several robots working together – it’s very effective and looks fascinating. How many workers this new level of automation will replace is unknown.
BY OLIVER BENDEL
