AUTOMATION AND AI INTEGRATION


Director at Montech, long-term collaboration between machinery suppliers and integrators is becoming increasingly important as production environments become more sophisticated. “With the growing complexity of production


environments, the ability to scale systems is becoming even more key to successful integrations,” he said. “Long-term partnerships are especially


Andrew Yates MD Endoline


primarily on manufacturing expansion, the ability to demonstrate integrated production lines highlights the growing demand for connected packaging ecosystems capable of delivering real-time performance monitoring, predictive maintenance insights and improved line efficiency. As confectionery manufacturers continue


investing in smarter factories, packaging automation is increasingly being viewed not simply as a cost-saving measure, but as a strategic tool for improving resilience, scalability and long-term competitiveness. Wayne Kedward believes the expansion


represents only the beginning of the group’s ambitions. “This is only the starting point for Technosys and the other companies in the Autopack group,” he said. “Our strategy is to continue to grow organically and through future acquisitions, the group will become a driving force in providing world-class processing and packaging lines for a wide range of markets.”


Flexible end-of-line automation From seasonal assortments and promotional multipacks to varying case sizes and rapid product changeovers, manufacturers are under pressure to maintain throughput while preserving flexibility across production environments. Endoline Automation believes scalable and modular automation is becoming essential as manufacturers seek to future-proof packaging operations without introducing unnecessary disruption or downtime. The company, which supplies semi and fully


automated case erecting, packing and sealing systems, has highlighted the importance of integration-ready equipment capable of adapting to evolving production demands and legacy infrastructure requirements. According to Tom Vanderheyden, Sales


critical for continuity when investments are spread out. Our work with Endoline is testament to this. More than anything, as integrators we value the team’s collaborative approach, proficiency and engineering expertise in customising systems to accommodate specific layouts, product types and operational needs.” For confectionery manufacturers, where


packaging line flexibility can directly impact productivity and profitability, the ability to integrate automation incrementally is becoming particularly attractive. Andrew Yates, Managing Director at


Endoline Automation, believes manufacturers should focus on systems capable of handling production variability from the outset. “Plan for variation and scalability to optimise


end-of-line investments,” he advised. The company also emphasised the growing


importance of interoperability between packaging equipment and wider factory systems, including MES and ERP platforms, as manufacturers continue progressing towards more connected and data-driven operations. Beyond installation itself, Endoline argues


that ongoing technical support, preventative maintenance and continuous optimisation are equally important to maximising automation ROI and maintaining line efficiency. “The primary value of preventative


maintenance is it keeps equipment running at peak performance,” added Andrew Yates. “Routine checks also extend the lifespan of equipment and help to prevent unexpected breakdowns that can impact line efficiency.”


Premier Forrester helps Greggs cut caramel shortbread chocolate give away by 97.5%


Premier Forrester has helped Greggs significantly reduce chocolate give away on its caramel shortbread line, increasing chocolate variation by 97.5% after replacing the existing manual operation with a precise automated setup. Working with Greggs, the York-based food


manufacturing specialist supplied a solution built around the Trikno TCM Depositor and the WOLF UF500 Temper Unit. Alongside the major drop in waste, Greggs


also realised faster throughput and a more consistent finish across production.


Automation helped reduce waste Before the upgrade, all of the chocolate application for Greggs’ caramel shortbreads was done by hand. Chocolate was poured over cooled caramel, then levelled manually by operators turning and tapping the sheets. This method was slow, labour-heavy,


and produced high variation in the finished product, making it increasingly difficult to justify at higher volumes. The team also had to work around existing


rack ovens, which meant any new equipment needed to fit within a batch-based baking environment rather than a fully continuous line. That ruled out some standard options and called for a more considered approach. Greggs initially explored the idea


of using a chocolate curtain system. Premier Forrester’s Founder and Director, Mike Gee, advised against it, having concluded it would not deliver the level of control the line required. Instead,


he recommended a combination of depositing and tempering


technology that would give Greggs more accuracy and a cleaner application. As well as the equipment, Premier Forrester also helped automated their existing chocolate delivery to the line.


Trikno and Wolf products chosen The Trikno TCM Depositor was introduced to apply a controlled amount of chocolate to each product. Its precision nozzles and programmable settings made it possible to achieve a more even deposit across every batch while reducing excess chocolate usage. Alongside it, the WOLF UF500


Temper Unit kept the chocolate at the right working condition throughout production, helping maintain appearance and texture consistency. Since installation, Greggs has reduced


chocolate waste from 60 grams per sheet to 1.5 grams. Production has also doubled, giving the business more capacity to meet demand while easing pressure on labour and improving overall efficiency on the line. This has also put Greggs in a stronger position to scale production in line with future growth. Mike Gee said: “At Premier Forrester,


we believe that the right technology can revolutionise any production line. Working with Greggs to integrate the Trikno TCM Depositor and WOLF UF500 Tempering Unit was about more than just automation—it was about precision, efficiency, and setting them up for scalable growth. This project highlights how innovation in food manufacturing can drive both quality and profitability.”


MAY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 31


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