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CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS EXPERIENCE HELPS OVERCOME BREXIT ISSUES


Here, Ben Beattie, Manager of Forbeats, answers some key questions about the role experienced toll processors and contract manufacturers play in tackling current challenges in the chemical industry


ith the challenges facing today’s chemical industry, an experienced toll processing partner can be a major asset for manufacturers experiencing processing bottlenecks, who have to safely handle hazardous products, or who are looking to procure flexible, end-to-end solutions.


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How has Brexit created operational bottlenecks for the processing industry? Brexit has had a significant impact on the chemical industry. Moving goods between the UK and mainland Europe has now become much more complex, with considerably more paperwork required to accompany a shipment. As a result, any discrepancies result in delays that impact supply and production. This has led to increased logistics costs for many, and further exacerbated by other global issues, such as the war in Ukraine and the attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which result in importers and exporters spending more and seeing longer lead times. For the industry, these changes have meant an increased focus on stock control, while the forecasting of orders has become imperative. To stay up to date with lead times and effectively plan production schedules and procurement, manufacturers are building closer relationships with toll processors that have the capacity to react quickly to demand and meet short deadlines.


The most challenging period, especially for global freight movement, was the first few months following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Businesses had to learn quickly and work with others who were dealing with the same issues. Companies that sought out expertise from within the industry were best placed to ensure the continuous movement of goods between the UK and EU and are now well- positioned to deal with issues, any lasting problems and possess the knowledge to solve problems for others.


How can experienced toll processors help manufacturers? Two of the most important characteristics of an experienced toll processor are flexibility and speed of service. For manufacturers dealing with ongoing supply chain issues and requiring one-off or time-sensitive orders, partnering with an experienced toll processor or contract manufacturer can be the key to meeting deadlines. Their understanding of the essential details of the job, together with their own supply networks and in-house processing, manufacturing, packaging and even logistics capabilities, means they can react quickly to


36 FEBRUARY 2024 | PROCESS & CONTROL fulfil client demands.


How do experienced toll processors handle hazardous materials? Strict regulations govern how hazardous goods are handled and toll processors will work in full compliance with those rules. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), containing all the necessary information about correct storage, processing and transport, ensure that anyone who uses chemicals can do so safely, without risk of harm to users or the environment.


Without exception, the hazards identified on an MSDS must be highlighted when transporting, storing and handling hazardous goods. Once highlighted, the toll processor will carry out the appropriate risk assessments. These will ensure the correct PPE is provided and used when handling the product; that the product is stored and processed in the right environment; and that the correct plant and equipment are used to handle it, for example, using ATEX equipment to handle flammable products.


An essential part of a risk assessment is to


ensure operatives have the ability to handle specific hazardous materials. The assessment will review the manual handling required, the operative’s experience handling hazardous materials and whether supervision is required during handling.


How does a toll processor’s experience in handling hazardous materials benefit manufacturers? Besides having their order completed on time and to specification, manufacturers also require toll processors to comply with regulations and ensure health and safety. As it is the contractor’s responsibility to identify potential hazards and put measures in place to manage them, working with an experienced toll processor offers the reassurance manufacturers need, offering peace of mind. Indeed, the contractors should have ISO9001 certification as evidence of their commitment to the correct management and processing requirements.


An experienced toll processor will also be aware of their limitations and will not accept contracts if they are incapable of handling specific hazardous materials. How do full-service, flexible solutions


benefit organisations across the supply chain? The close relationship between a manufacturer and its toll-processing partner is a vital element of a full-service, end-to-end solution, as it enables both one-off and ongoing requirements to go ahead seamlessly. The flexibility offered by toll processors, meanwhile, enables manufacturers who find their in-house processes disrupted by supply chain issues to meet demand via their partners.


Full-service solutions also provide additional value in terms of the contractor’s ability to supply packaging, logistics, warehousing and import/export clearance. These reduce the burden on manufacturers even more, streamlining the contracting-out process to a single provider that can manage the process end-to-end. This often works out to be more efficient and cost-effective.


Overall, having a network that includes a robust toll processor provides manufacturers with the vital reassurance that if there is an issue with their own production, there is an experienced and flexible partner able to provide a prompt solution.


Forbeats is a global specialist in toll processing and contract manufacturing in the chemical and food industries.


Forbeats forbeats.co.uk


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