PROCESSING & MACHINERY: CHOICES, CHOICES
Thankfully, due to
improvements in technology, there are now solutions available that help manufacturers improve production yield, whilst improving the accuracy and quality of the final product. However, with numerous options available and budgets continuing to be squeezed, how do you go about choosing the right machinery for your factory and, importantly, your products?
A CHALLENGE THAT NEEDS ADDRESSING Choosing the right machinery for your factory is a challenge in itself. Whether it is for cutting, mixing, heating, weighing or packing lines, there are a wide range of machines that each supplier believes will be better than its competitors. You might not expect a supplier
to say it, but the latest generation of machines all have similar performance levels in terms of output. Where companies differ is the benefits that their solutions
offer. This is the area that factory managers should be evaluating, when they are considering making an investment. Take the food production
sector as an example. Hygiene is a prerequisite. With different products passing along the line, washing down the machinery is essential and as such Ingress Protection (IP) ratings should always be noted before even assessing whether a machine is suitable for use in a factory. In general, the higher the number, the better. For example, there are many machines with an IP66 rating, meaning that it can be washed with strong jets from all directions for one minute with limited ingress permitted – but there are few with an IP67 rating that can withstand the effects of immersion from 15cm to one metre for 30 minutes without water infiltration.
THE ECO BIT Environmental performance is also key in the world we now
live in. Consumers expect retailers to be doing their bit for the environment and businesses like Marks and Spencer have responded by introducing eco- lorries amongst other initiatives. Now we are seeing pressure being applied to suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint. As the sustainability and
‘green’ movement becomes more prevalent over the years to come, more demands will be placed on food manufacturers to improve the way they operate. Factories already use a huge amount of power and water, so any machinery that can reduce energy usage will be worth its weight in gold. We’re not yet at the stage where business will be won or lost on environmental performance, but we’re not far off. Taking a look into the future will certainly stand a business in good stead. A good after sales and
customer service team is another essential requirement of a good machinery supplier. With manufacturers being
placed under huge pressure from retailers and brands, any issue on the production line can have major repercussions. Knowing that you will have an engineer or part ready to fix the problem gives you peace of mind and allows the business to work as efficiently as possible for as long as necessary.
A DREAM TOO FAR? However, for many manufacturers the possibility of investing in new machinery is simply a pipe dream. With the economy still faltering, businesses are just not able to purchase the latest weighers, cutting machines or packaging equipment. As a result, we have seen many implement cost- cutting measures by investing in cheaper machinery, counterfeit parts and employing unofficial technicians. And whilst I understand why this is happening, companies need to realise that the long-term damage this causes to
FMCGNews.co.uk | FMCG News | 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52