< PreviousQ Heating, sprinklers, lighting Q 60m Yard depth Q Full vehicular site circulationQ 14 level access loading doorsQ 4 Cranes Q 438 Car spaces Q Sub divisibleDavid Binksdavid.binks@eur.cushwake.comJonathan Maher jonathan.maher@eur.cushwake.comRobert Raerrae@nrsproperty.co.ukAndrew Jackson ajackson@nrsproperty.co.ukJ2, M6/M69NORTH VIEW WALSGRAVE J2,M6/M69COVENTRYCV2 2SJ)857+(5,1)250$7,21For further information please contact the joint agents.www.trianglecoventry.co.uk(QKDQFHGVSHFLILFDWLRQSURGXFWLRQZDUHKRXVHXQLWZLWKRIILFHV64)764072/(7VTIWVTPRIILFHV18-21:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:46 Page 3Food & Drink International 21www.fdiforum.netRELOCATIONalongsideresearch anddevelopmentteams directly is bothconvenient and costeffective.With automation being a definitivereason why you might need to relocate,there are many options out there to helpyou smooth out your operations. Not leastCenFRA, the UK Centre for Food Roboticsand Automation, who act as a beaconorganisation for all robotic and automationactivities related to the food and drinkmanufacturing industry. Planning help isavailable alongside countless other servicesto ensure the best use of space isimplemented with the most suitablemachinery and robotics available withinyour budget. With support from leading universitiesand specialist engineering centres, CenFRAprovides the food and drink sector with arange of services, from initial conceptsthrough to full automation machine design.Where no “off the shelf” opportunitycurrently exists, a bespoke service can beoffered.With simulation assistance,manufacturerscan evaluate andquantify thebenefits andimplications of integratingdifferent automation techniquesinto new or existing production lines on a“virtual” scale without creating anydisruption to current manufacturingoptions.Relocation, then, is not solely making amove to save costs, it can be for all sorts ofreasons. The fact that food and drinkclusters are being encouraged is anexciting development that could see costsavings trickling down the supply chain astime goes on. Collaboration is somethingalways advocated, but having companieslocated next to each other within walkingdistance can only be a good thing. Taking the small-scale idea of sharedoffice space to a larger concept withcompanies having literal common groundmeans deals that might once have takenmuch longer to come to fruition beingfinalised within a fraction of the time.Common areas for companies to meetinformally as well as officially means ideascan be shared easily. More companies are also relocating toensure their operations are greener.Moving to a location that is equipped withthe latest in solar panel technology,renewable energy sources and efficientheating and lighting already in place is fareasier than disrupting the full flow of aproduction line. Properties like TheTriangle in Coventry are rated highly interms of their Energy PerformanceCertificates meaning cost savings arealmost guaranteed. These certificates showthe benefits in plain scores, showing an A-G sliding scale, with the more pointsawarded being worse for the building’srating. An A grade, which indicates zeroC02emissions, is rare but not impossibleto attain, though it remains a challenge forfood and drink companies due to the sheeramount of energy and heat used in theproduction process.Relocation certainly seems somethingworth considering in this fast-movingindustry, with large deals still beingbrokered. Predictions are that companieswill be seeking to at least expand over thenext few years. Taking the next step is abrave one, but the benefits seem to bemyriad.Moving to a location that is equipped with the latest in solar panel technology, renewableenergy sources and efficient heatingand lighting already in place is fareasier than disrupting the full flow of a production lineSpace is often an issue, fittingcomplex equipment into ever-shrinking room is a challengethat can sometimes only besolved by relocation18-21:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:46 Page 4Used 1 Vans & Servicesfrom Mercedes-BenzA new standard in used vanswe think you could get used to.The Used 1 Quality Label - the mark of a truly great vanProven PerformanceThere’s no mistaking a Mercedes-Benz Used 1 Qualifying Van. Just look for the Mercedes-Benz Used 1 Quality Label. It’s proof that the vehicle has met our exacting safety and quality tests. And it’s the mark of a truly great van.www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans22-24:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:48 Page 1A dangerouschain?Food & Drink International 23www.fdiforum.netSUPPLY CHAIN24 The recent troubles regarding horsemeat andother species being passed off as beef or otherproducts and Europe’s retailers having to takeproducts off the shelves in plain view of thepublic has shown the supply chain up in certaincircles for its lack of focus.While most of the time food and drinksuppliers can show their sources and suppliers atevery step of the way, where there is a will thereis a way it seems. Rumours have abounded thatcriminal gangs have had a hand in passing offcheaper cuts as different species, but retailersreally should know where their products arecoming from. Most large supermarkets have held theirhands up and apologised, however it isimportant to still maintain a grip, if not seek toimprove supply chains in general. Regardless ofintentional meddling in these matters,traceability still needs to be hammered into theWith recent scandals such as horsemeat being just one ofmany species entering the meat supply chain, it hashighlighted the need for producers to have a tighter grip.WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ RTEMWith recent compromises within the meatsupply chain, is it time more controls wereimplemented within the supply chain? 22-24:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:48 Page 224 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netSUPPLY CHAINThe Road HaulageAssociation providesdedicated campaigning,advice, training andbusiness services speciallytailored for the haulageindustry.The RHA can assistyour business to stay notonly compliant andsustainable but alsoprofitable. Visit theirstand at IMHX orMultimodal to find outmore.ComplianceThe RHA Hauliers Shopcatalogue offers over fourhundred products at competitiveprices and you can order at atouch of a button.RHA Smartanalysis is acomprehensive internet basedsolution for analysing analogueand digital tachographs. RHAContracts of Employment canhelp you avoid disputes, whileRHA System and ProcedureAudits check that you arecomplying with your O Licenceundertakings.RHA Training provides aone-stop shop for all yourtraining needs throughout theUK. Employment Advice isavailable from their in-houseemployment services manager,while RHA Legal Services is alegal advice and support servicesold exclusively to RHAmembers. SustainabilityRHA Policy actively engagewith Government at every level.The RHA support FairFuel UK,and UK hauliers are paying lessin fuel duty since this successfulcollaboration started in 2011.ProfitabilityRHA Conditions of Carriageare recognised as the industrystandard and are exclusive forRHA members. The WeeklyFuel Survey provides memberswith average fuel prices.The Road HaulageAssociation is deliveringcompliance, sustainability andprofitability to your business!Visit Stand 20C15 at IMHX orStand 126 at Multimodal to seehow members can benefit fromsuccessful campaigning, help,advice, training and businessservices.Delivering compliance,sustainability andprofitabilityFor more information, call theRHA on 01733 261131,email Enquiries@rha.uk.netor visit www.rha.uk.net.minds of many. As is often said, a supply chain is only asstrong as its weakest link and with greatly extended chains foodand drink producers need to be doubly careful.As Sam Rabi from supply chain consultants Coriolis says,“Unfortunately, in our global food market it is not alwayspossible to have a strong relationship with all suppliers. Youare in fact relying on a series of other relationships and dealswhich can travel across continents.“We’ve seen countless examples of food producers who failto consider all aspects of risk which can affect their supplychains and therefore, fail to plan adequately to mitigate issueswhich inevitably arise.”Strategic thinking seems to be the focus for many in thewake of this scandal and measures need to be put in place nowto avoid having these kind of incidents happening again. Withthe amount of automated and technological advances, it shouldbe simple to keep track and blips in the day-to-day running ofsupply chains should be investigated as a matter of course.Martin Jinks from Roythornes LLP, legal specialists inagricultural and food, suggests that in recent years, mostretailers have moved away from models which they previouslypursued which led them to relinquish control. Where theywould once contract out the risk and cost of large capitalexpenditure projects, they are now much more inclined to keepthat expertise in-house and invest in both staff and technology.But is this for the best?Martin says, “The reason for this is simple. Should a thirdparty contract fail in any way, it leaves their businessesseriously exposed with no immediate alternative available tofulfil its function. Yes, their contracts will be indemnifiedagainst loss, but for the big retailers it is all about maintainingconsumer confidence by ensuring they have continuity ofsupply.“There’s no mistaking this shift in the attitudes of theretailers who have moved from a position of ‘we’re retailers,what do we know about supply chain management?’ to one ofretaining, training and championing such expertise within theirorganisations.”This is all very well, but investigating the source of troublewhen outbreaks like this occur are still difficult. It seems somenew legislation is required to maintain a tighter grip. In themeantime it is yet to be seen what long-term effects this willhave on supply chain management and customer trust issues.22-24:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:48 Page 3Food & Drink International 25www.fdiforum.netEND OF LINE PACKAGINGEnd of line packaging has continued tooffer substantial benefits for the food anddrink industry. Shrink wrapping is nowstandard practice as part of the automatedhandling and palletising processes, and thathas delivered impressive cost savings, aswell as more attractive branding andimproved pack quality across the board.The increased automation of this processhas, however, caused problems in itself.Most notably, in a high-speed packagingand labelling operation at a bottling plant,un- or mislabelled packs have to bedetected by the human eye or by additionalscanners, removed, returned and relabelled.In a competitive high-volume market,where product cost is low and margins aresqueezed, this handling adds to costs. This is especially the case when the linehas to deal with many different productswith a range of sizes and shapes – and aswe discuss elsewhere in these pages, beingable to guarantee quality is now a vital partof a manufacturers’ duty.Happily, there are opportunities to dealwith this. As Phil Dyas, Sick’s UK’sindustrial sensor product specialist, pointsout, “Detecting clear-shiny, dark-glossy ormulti-reflective surfaces is a challenge,especially where there are complex curvedshapes or transparent outlines. Sick’sMultiPac sensor has eliminated thepossibility of false or misleading signals andachieves highly-consistent detection inmulti-product handling applications evenwhen surfaces are shiny, clear or curved.“The effectiveness of the Sick MultiPacis demonstrated by the sensors in use onthe labelling systems supplied to thePepsiCo filling plant by Logopak SystemeGmbH & Co. KG. The detection errorrate was reduced to zero throughout a sixmonth period. The sensor has twoindependent receiver systems which canoffset the brief deflections caused by theuneven pack surface because at least one ofthe two receivers always captures thereflected light. Additionally, a high-powerLED emits high-intensity light so that evenfaint reflective surfaces are reliablydetected.“Thanks to a scanning distance of up to500mm, the MultiPac enables maximumfreedom in positioning and installation,and does not require a reflector. There istherefore no need to adjust the mountingheight when different size packs are put onthe shrink wrapping line. “ The integration27 ALL WRAPPED UPAdvances in end of line packaging are ensuring more secure, traceable productsSick’s MultiPac sensor has eliminated thepossibility of false or misleading signalsand achieves highly-consistent detectionin multi-product handling applications25-27:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:52 Page 126 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.net0XWLQJIUHHDFFHVVSURWHFWLRQZLWKGLIIHUHQWLDWLRQEHWZHHQPDQDQGPDWHULDO3RLQWRIRSHUDWLRQSURWHFWLRQZLWKRSWLRQDOÀ[HGEODQNLQJ'LUHFWLRQDQGVHTXHQFHFRQWURODOOVL]HVRIREMHFWVDOORZHG5HGXFHGUHVROXWLRQVXSSUHVVHVFDEOHVFKLSVGLUW2QERDUGODVHUDOLJQPHQWIRUIDVWLQVWDOODWLRQ6,&.8./7'_6W$OEDQV_$/%1__LQIR#VLFNFRXN_ZZZVLFNFRXNC4000 Fusion safety light curtain for compact muting6WUHWFKZUDSSHU3DOOHWLVHU)RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQKWWSELWO\&)XVLRQEntry/Exit safety system for end-of-line packagingADPAKNo.1 FOR SHRINK WRAPPINGAdpak Machinery Systems Ltd established in 1987 are recognized as one of the leaders in packaging technology.Adpakmarket a range of innovative shrink wrapping, palletisation and pallet stretchwrapping systems supplying both new and second hand machinery and providing a fullafter sales service.Our reputation for these systems is well respected within theindustry. The speciality of the company however, is inapplying the latest technology and innovations tounusual and sometimes difficult packaging problems.We can provide full project management for your installation.Tel: 01282 601444 Fax: 01282 6122013 Pendleside, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 6RYWWW.ADPAK.CO.UK25-27:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:52 Page 2Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netEND OF LINE PACKAGINGof this kind of machine into a conveying orlabelling system can have a further benefitwhen it comes to costs and convenient.Shrink wrapping and stretch wrappingmachines now emphasise the value ofenergy efficiency. Adpak MachinerySystems, for example, has assisted contractpackers Codex with the supply ofFP500HSE fully automatic shrink wrappingmachines. The introduction of thesemachines has produced far less film wasteand, report Codex, greatly increasedproduction outputs, with the additionalbenefit of energy reduction and efficientuse of the servo driven sealing jaws andside trim sealing systems. The ability towrap and pack a wider variety of goodsthan ever before is an additional benefit.As we mentioned elsewhere in this issue,the importance of product security cannotbe underestimated and end of linepackaging can play a major role in thisregard. Using a corrugated carton sealer,such as those machines provided by KitePackaging, for example, can consistentlyimprove the security, as well as thepresentation, of packaging – ensuring acrisp and even seal with no uneven lines orpotential flashpoints. As ever, efficiency iskey and Kite’s machine uses adjustable topguides and adjustable tape tension toenable the operator to quickly and easilyseal a wide range of carton sizes. It will alsoseal up to thirty boxes per minute.While the speed and efficiency of thepackaging is a top priority, the materialused for packaging is equally important. AnEU research consortium, spearheaded bythe Paint Research Association, hasdeveloped a food packaging coatingproduct, called PlantPack, which canreplace current packaging coatings basedon petrochemicals which are bad for theenvironment. The eco-friendly packagingcoating product is made from seaweedextracts and starch and can be applied topaper and cardboard as a spray. Previouslyseaweed extracts, though sustainable,haven’t been flexible enough to use as acoating but the scientists working on theproject blended seaweed extracts withstarch and starch derivatives so it could beapplied to paper packaging.PRA is working with a consortium ofEuropean partners with funding from theEuropean Commission under theFramework Programme Seven, includingITENE in Spain, Montrose UK, AltinGidas of Turkey and the Polish companyYanko.Advances in the packaging materialsused and the technology that applies themare ensuring a faster moving, more efficientand safer production line.25-27:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:52 Page 3CONTROL & AUTOMATION SHOWCASEPaperless quality solutions - automaticallyThe amount of paperwork generated by undertaking necessary quality assurance checks within afactory is staggering. AutoCoding Systems has recognised this administrative burden on the QAfunction, introducing the ‘paperless’ quality feature within their AutoCoding solution.It is often essential to capture evidence of compliance checks of product quality against specification,often acquiring repeated signatures and samples. AutoCoding Systems’ “paperless” quality moduleautomates in-line/off-line QA processes with data capture and subsequent reporting.The AutoCoding line terminal can be configured to individual requirements, creating various methodsfor capturing quality data. The hand scanner can be used to acquire a digital image of the productand/or the product packaging, which can be saved and archived for traceability. Time-prompted quality checks including weight, temperature, traceability codes and date codes canbe included. The system can also be configured to invoke line stops and prompt for corrective action. All checks are consolidated in an audit log thereby reducing, if not eliminating paper records.Tel: 01928 790444 Fax: 08703 835636 Email: info@autocodingsystems.comwww.autocodingsystems.comActuators with food-grade white epoxy coatingDistributed by Motion Control Products, To-lo-matic’s IMA integrated servo motor actuators, thecompany’s most powerful integrated motor rod actuator, is now available with a food-grade whiteepoxy coating and stainless steel components for washdown applications in the food andbeverage industry. Available in four sizes, the IMA line of integrated motor rod actuators features stroke lengthsfrom 76.2mm to 457.2mm and peak thrusts from 890 to 30,594N at speeds up to 610mm/sec.Steve McKay, MD of Motion Control Products, says, “Many applications within the food and beverage industryrequire high-force electric actuators that can withstand the rigors of sanitary washdown. New IMA actuators with a food-grade white epoxy coating and ingress protection rating of IP67 are an economical alternative to custom stainless steel actuators.With a wide range of available modifications – food-grade greases and stainless steel for all external assembly and mounting, for example– the IMA can be tailored to virtually many food and drink applications.”The compact, durable IMA actuator series integrates a servomotor and a ball or roller screw for long service life for a multitude of different budgets. Itspatent pending design allows for easy re-lubrication of the screw without disassembly. Tel: 01202 599922 Email: enquiries@motioncontrolproducts.com www.motioncontrolproducts.com28 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netWeb / ckf.co.uk Email / info@ckf.co.uk Tel / +44 (0)1452 424565THE AUTOMATIC SOLUTIONFrom global brands to manufacturing start-ups, CKF is a provider of integrated robotic solutions that deliver you a competitive advantage and long term sustainability.Our customers rely upon CKF’s accomplished team of engineers, flexible in their approach and ready to challenge the norm to meet your objectives.We are as eager to protect the future of your business as we are to ensure a smooth automated transition; on time and on budget.28:Layout 1 22/2/13 11:51 Page 1Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netPPEPulling yourhair out?The issue of hair containment is becoming ever-moreimportant to address in food and drink production. Analarming amount makes it into food, so what can be doneabout this unhygienic practice?Although not grounds to sue in America, in theUK, hair found in food is covered by the FoodSafety Act 1990 as it has been known in the past tocause food poisoning and could even cause chokingor other digestion problems. Although staff arecompelled to wear hairnets or protective equipmentas standard, this alone might not be enough. One problem seems to be the issue of hairprotruding through hairnets and snoods, renderingthis method of protection useless. According to Professor Subhash AnandProfessor of Technical Textiles at the Institute forMaterials Research and Innovation at University ofBolton, “Non-woven materials such as those usedin mob and bouffant caps should not be used as ahair barrier fabric. Due to the nonwovenmanufacturing methods of spinning the fibres, it isimpossible to control the alignment and spacing ofthe fibres leading to a variable fabric structure withinherent gaps and different densities, allowinghairs to protrude through. “Due to the fabric’s rigidity, it will neither holdthe head of hair nor grip strands of hairs thatprotrude through the fabric. It is a totallyunsuitable material. This is evidenced in ourwearer trials which proved that mob caps are theworst form of hair containment caps currently usedin the food processing industry.”New, more-effective methods of haircontainment are available, with whole-headcovering caps offering not only the covering ofhair, but also a method of retaining shed hairsthrough gripping features inside the material andthe power of positive attraction. These can also becleaned to ensure re-use is possible and fewer hairsend up in consumers’ food. The most common ways hair enters food ordrink during the production process is scratchingthe head, rearranging hair or taking off the hairnetmomentarily. Operative behaviour is alsoimportant and workers should generally beencouraged to check each others’ nets whenchanging into work wear.The days of the simple hairnet it seems are over.We are able this monthto offer readers a free limited time trialof HairBarrier Tools - the free online resourcefor food processors. To take part in the trial,call Aburnet on 01332 874797 quoting‘Food & Drink International’.Hair Containment Researched & Products TestedRead the independent results online atwww.aburnet.co.uk29:Layout 1 22/2/13 09:54 Page 1Next >