Read our introduction to the FlatBelt system here: How a flexible conveyor belt system can transform your production flow
Sometimes the clearest proof of a product's value comes not from a brochure, but from the people who use it every day. This is the story of Zanea Seaweed Co. Ltd - a food production and processing company in Tanzania that imported SoRoTo conveyor belts in 2022 and hasn't looked back since.
In the video, Lisbeth Larsen, Global Raw Materials Purchasing & Logistics Manager, and Baraka Mwambegele, Warehouse Assistant, both at Zanea Seaweed Co. Ltd, share their experience of introducing SoRoTo FlatBelt conveyor belts into their warehouse and production facility in Tanzania.
The challenge: manual handling in a busy warehouse and production facility
Operating a seaweed processing facility in Tanzania, the team at Zanea Seaweed faced a familiar challenge: moving heavy materials - 50 kg bags of loose seaweed, repacked and pressed into 70 kg bales - from one point to another, manually, every single day.
The physical demands on workers were significant. Containers needed to be loaded - each one holding the equivalent of 371 bags of seaweed, totalling 26 tonnes, loaded in just 90 minutes with the help of the FlatBelt system. And in a market where this type of lightweight, movable conveyor solution simply wasn't available locally, finding the right equipment meant looking further afield.
The solution: SoRoTo conveyor belts imported from Denmark
After comparing multiple options, Zanea Seaweed chose SoRoTo. The decision came down to a combination of factors that matter in any operation, but perhaps especially in a remote production environment: lightweight construction, ease of transport, simple installation, and straightforward maintenance.
“It's a lightweight type of conveyor belts that you cannot get here in Tanzania. And they have helped us with very smooth operation.”
Zanea Seaweed configured the FlatBelt system into two separate setups: one for warehouse operations and one dedicated to moving harvested seaweed along the production line. The FlatBelt is available in five standard lengths - 2.0 m, 3.3 m, 4.5 m, 6.0 m, and 8.0 m - and Zanea Seaweed selected the 3.3 m, 4.5 m, and 8.0 m units to match the specific distances and spaces within their facility. Shortly after the initial installation, Zanea Seaweed expanded the system further. The rapid expansion speaks for itself: the solution delivered on its promise from day one.
It is worth noting that SoRoTo's traditional construction conveyor belts, with their recessed belt profile designed to contain loose materials like soil and gravel, would not have been suited to this application. It was specifically the FlatBelt design - with its flat, straight edges - that made the solution possible. The belts could be positioned wherever the team needed them, moved freely around the facility on their wheels, and reconfigured as the operation required.
"We can put the belts where we need them to move around the bags and the base."
Simple to operate, safe to use
One of the things that stood out to the Zanea team was how straightforward the system is to use - even for workers without a technical background. Operation couldn't be simpler: a green button to start, a red button to stop.
For Zanea Seaweed, a simple control panel was the right choice for their operation. For more demanding requirements - such as variable belt speed or two-way operation - SoRoTo's Multilink PowerBox offers full electronic control, allowing the system to be tailored to more complex production needs.
"For the workers, it's very easy to use these belts without too much technique."
Safety was also a priority in choice of conveyor system.The drive mechanism and moving components are fully enclosed, protecting operators from accidental contact during use. The aluminium frame features an open construction with perforated sides and base plates - allowing air to circulate freely around the belt and motor and making daily cleaning and maintenance straightforward. In a warm and humid climate like Tanzania's, the combination of lightweight aluminium, good ventilation, and easy maintenance proves particularly valuable.
SoRoTo worked closely with the team to ensure the installation met the necessary safety standards - making sure workers could operate the equipment confidently without risk of injury.
Easy to maintain, easy to move
Maintenance in a remote location is a genuine concern for any equipment purchase. SoRoTo holds a comprehensive stock of spare parts at their facility in Denmark, ready for daily dispatch - meaning that wherever in the world the equipment is operating, replacement parts can be ordered and shipped quickly.
The standardised design ensures that parts are straightforward to replace, keeping downtime to a minimum. For Zanea Seaweed, a selection of common wear parts was included with the original order - ensuring that routine maintenance could be carried out immediately without waiting for international shipments.
Every day after work, the team runs a check on the system - a straightforward routine made possible by the simplicity of the design.
Mobility was equally important. Because the conveyor belts are mounted on wheels, they can be repositioned anywhere in the facility quickly and without effort - even the 8-metre unit.
"They are very easy to transport with these wheels. I can do it myself with an 8 metre belt. It's very easy to move."
The results: time saved, costs reduced, workers healthier
The impact was felt quickly and across the whole operation. With the conveyor belts handling the heavy lifting, workers no longer needed to carry materials by hand. The workflow became more consistent, and the team could focus on their actual work rather than the logistics of moving things around.
“With two complete conveyor belt setups now running - one in the warehouse and one on the production line - the impact was felt quickly and across the whole operation."
The company became something of a local pioneer in the process - known in the area for introducing conveyor belt technology into their warehouse operations, something far from standard practice in Tanzania at the time.
"We have been actually kind of famous here for using these belts in-house in a warehouse, which is not very typical here in Tanzania."
A win-win
Perhaps the most striking thing about this case is how straightforwardly it describes a genuine improvement - not just in efficiency, but in the working lives of the people involved.
"It's a win-win for us because we have healthy workers and we have a healthy work environment - and that's very important to us."
That is exactly what a well-chosen piece of equipment should deliver. Not a transformation that requires months of disruption and a team of engineers - but a practical, flexible solution that fits the operation, can be moved when needed, and makes the day easier for everyone involved.
Thinking about your own operation?
If you recognise any of these challenges in your own facility, we would be happy to tell you more about the SoRoTo FlatBelt system - or invite you for a live demonstration at our facility in Denmark.
Read more about the FlatBelt system here: How a flexible conveyor belt system can transform your production flow
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. SoRoTo recommends that companies always assess their specific requirements and consult with our team before making purchasing decisions. All quotes are reproduced with the permission of Zanea Seaweed Co. Ltd.
