< PreviousAll-purpose proximity sensing from SICK in onesecond flat Achieving instantly reliable proximity sensing is simplewith the single-click installation of the SICK IQG sensor.With its one-second mount and 40 x 40mm cubicconstruction, the IQG is an all-purpose and cost-effectiveinductive sensor that is easy-to-switch in countlessautomation, conveying and materials handlingapplications. The IQG offers adaptability and long-life durability for awide range of conveying, packaging and warehousingapplications. Its long sensing distances, resistance tovibration, extensive temperature range from -25°C to 85°C,and indoor and outdoor variants make it ideal for diverseuses in ambient or refrigerated facilities. Powered by SICK’s highly stable ASIC sensor technology, the IQG inductive has sensing range of 20mm (flush) and 40mm (non-flush). The ruggedhousing with IP68 or IP69K environmental protection is designed to withstand wet, dust and dirt, while the -25oC to +85oC temperature range covers wideinterior and exterior applications and ensure a long, reliable operating life.10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netHanovia is helping AlRawabi Dairy in Dubaikeep its milk pureTo ensure the purity of its product, Al RawabiDairy in Dubai – the UAE’s largest – is usingPureLine UV disinfection technology from Hanoviato disinfect water used in the milk productionprocess. The UV system ensures the process isfree from harmful bacteria such as E. Coli andSalmonella.According to Mr Ashraf, Al Rawabi’s SiteEngineer, two of the major benefits of the systemare the low operational and maintenance costscompared to alternative disinfection systems, andthe fact that UV disinfection is a completely cleantechnology which does not produce anydisinfection by-products or aftertaste, unlike withchlorine disinfection.The success of Hanovia’s PureLine UVtechnology in the United Arab Emirates wasfollowed by the official Middle East launch of thenew PureLine Ultraviolet Energy Optimised (UVEO)disinfection system at the recent Dubai DrinkTechnology Expo.Tunnock’s bakers installs first of new PFMwrapper rangeItalian manufacturer PFM has delivered thefirst of its new Sirio flow-wrappers in the UK tofamily-run Scottish bakers Tunnock’s inUddingston, Glasgow, where it is now employedon a range of multi-packs and seasonal goods. “With a variety of goods to handle, thestainless steel food-standard machine waschosen for quick changeover and hygiene,” saidManaging Director Boyd Tunnock.The Sirio is an ultra-hygienic flow-wrapperdeveloped by PFM using an innovative machinebuild system that allows much easier and moreeffective cleaning than traditional designs.In place of the usual welded frame that supports principal machine components, the new IPS(independent perimeter support) approach from PFM employs a tubular stainless steel frame thatnot only provides support, but acts also as a conduit for electrical and electronic cables.In this way, the electrical cabinet is kept completely separate from the rest of the machine,potential dirt traps are virtually eliminated and steam cleaning is secure. Real Good Food opens technologyand training hub in LiverpoolReal Good Food has launchedits newly constructed LiverpoolDevelopment Centre andAcademy, which will serve as aninternational hub for foodmanufacturing innovation andcake decoration skills training forthe Company.The Company, which owns anumber of well-known names inthe food manufacturing market,has recently re-organised intothree divisions: cake decoration, food ingredients and premium bakery.The Centre will be a platform for the inspirational application of Real GoodFood products and will allow the Company to embrace and test emergingtechnologies in ingredients, processes and packaging.The new facility based in Wavertree also incorporates an InnovationCentre, which has been fitted with world-class baking equipment and top-of-the-range technology, as well as The Renshaw Academy which will train anddevelop students and industry professionals from all over the world in thelatest techniques in cake decoration. The Academy aims to partner withLiverpool City College.The Academy will tap into the ever growing demand for cake decorationand will support the growing spectrum of consumers in that market fromworld renowned professionals to the first time novice.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARIE C FIELDSBakers, confectioners & ready mealmanufacturers on high alert asbutter prices jump by 13%The effects of low milk pricesand a cold, wet spring acrossEurope have combined to pushbutter prices upwards. The newsleaves food companies exposed tothe risk of rising raw materialcosts, which could hit their profitsfurther if they don’t take action nowand lock into a fixed price deal.Between 15 April 2016 and 24May 2016, the price of butterfutures to October 2017 on the European Energy Exchange (EEX) jumpedby €349 per tonne to an average of €3,012 – an increase of 13% over thisperiod, illustrating the highly volatile nature of this important commodity.Ian Thomas, Managing Director of dairy trader Greenfields Ingredients,the UK division of Greenfields Ireland, said: “Food manufacturers havebecome accustomed to the idea that there is too much milk and that priceswill continue to fall. Until recently, that’s been the case. However, milk is anatural product and its production is particularly subject to climaticconditions and, when coupled with the current commercial pressures,prices can rise sharply.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SEA WAVE10-11_Layout 1 27/05/2016 08:59 Page 1Food & Drink International 11www.fdiforum.netFish producer curbs costwith PackagingAutomation vacuum skinpackaging formatThe installation of a Revolution SkinPAC machineat fish processor Farne Salmon and Trout has setthe benchmark when it comes to skin packagingspeed and product presentation. The previous packaging machine was replacedby a Revolution high speed sealer to increasethroughputs and improve pack presentation. Thestrength of the seal between the base tray and topfilm, as well as the snugness of film fit around thefish product, are the best they have ever had. As aresult, Farne Salmon and Trout no longer have toadd an absorbent peach pad in the tray beneath theproduct which has helped reduce their costs.SkinPAC offers enhanced product protectionenabling the product to stay fresher for longer,excellent attractive on shelf presentation enablingthe product to be clearly seen and packs can beplaced upright to maximise shelf space. The tightseal ensures retention of product fluids eliminatingleakage.Loma’s combination system is a whey better sizefor Long Clawson DairyLoma Systems has recently installed a highperformance CW3 compact combination(Compact Combo) checkweigher and metaldetection unit at long-standing customer, LongClawson Dairy located in Melton Mowbray.Chosen for its reduced footprint and ability tomeet the stringent quality standards of the UK’smajor retailers, this latest machine is inspectingdifferent size packs of speciality Stilton cheeses.With space at a premium, Loma recommendeda CW3 Compact Combo, which was launched by the company just over a year ago, and offerssome 30% reduced footprint in comparison to standard combination units. The OIML R51 and EC TA (MID) accredited CW3 Compact Combo has been built to Loma’s‘Designed to Survive’ specifications, utilising heavy duty components and offering best levels ofperformance. The modular design saves line space and ensures continuous operation. The systemcan adapt to a wide variety of different products because of its true variable frequency metaldetection and versatile checkweighing capabilities.Eckes-Granini acquires Danish juice producerfrom ArlaEckes-Granini Group has acquired Danishjuice producer, Rynkeby Foods, from ArlaFoods amba for an undisclosed sum.With an annual production volume of over130 million litres, Rynkeby is the leadingproducer of juices and cordials in the NordicStates. Together, the Rynkeby and GodMorgon brands hold a strong market-leadingposition in Denmark, while its strongestforeign market is Sweden. Povl Krogsgaard, Vice-CEO of Arla Foods amba, said: “Over the past two decades, Arla hassold of subsidiaries that do not have a direct link to dairy production in order to focus on our corebusiness. “Rynkeby is the last remaining subsidiary in the Arla Group not linked to milk, and we believethat the Rynkeby business will be better suited under the ownership of Eckes-Granini who cantake the company to the next level in its future development.”UK leads global vegan-vegetarianlabelled packaged food salesResponding to thegrowing movementtowards sustainability,social responsibility andtransparency on labels,global market researchcompany, Euromonitor,International has launchedthe new Ethical Labelsdatabase.According to the newresearch, halal and vegan labels are set to grow by a compound annualgrowth rate of over 5 per cent annually between 2015 and 2020, translatinginto US$ 13 billion and 708 million additional sales, respectively.Ewa Hudson, Head of Health and Wellness, said: “Vegan productlabelling is one of the key categories to watch in the future, as anincreasing number of companies are expanding their consumer appeal bystaying away from animal ingredients whenever possible. The risingdemand and trend for vegetarian and vegan proteins indicates where themarket is moving right now.”The UK leads global vegetarian/vegan labelled packaged food sales andexpects to see a growth of US$ 79.9 million in the next 5 years making itthe leading country in vegetarian friendly labelling. Quality assured thanks to Ishidaaccuracy and reliability Specialist Italian pork processorFumagalli Industria Alimentari S.p.A.has installed a second Ishidamultihead weigher to help cope withdemand for its ranges of cured andcooked products including dicedpancetta and a new series of snackvarieties.Both weighers - 16 head versionsfrom the company’s cost-effectiveRS series - are helping to maximiseline efficiencies thanks to theirexcellent reliability and accuracy,with each line capable of handlingaround 20,000kg of product eachmonth, equivalent to 1,700,000packs every year.The new line in particular is ableto focus on Fumagalli’s recentlylaunched snacks range of slicedsalami with a variety of accompaniments including bread sticks, olives andcheese. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES10-11_Layout 1 27/05/2016 08:59 Page 212 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netDon’t forgetyou can now readFood & Drink International Digital Editionsnow available on iPad & iPhonewww.fdiforum.netIdeal for those who spendtime away fromthe officeonthego!Yamato strengthens senior techsupport Yamato isstrengthening its seniortechnical support teamand increasing itscapabilities with theappointment of PeterHartley. Mr Hartley has joinedYamato Scale in a seniortechnical support rolewith an emphasis ondelivering checkweighersand metal detectors for production line systems. Mr Hartley has a range of experience in production line and packaging.He joins Yamato from Dimaco, a vision inspection company, where he wasresponsible for service, design and technical support. Prior to working forDimaco, Mr Hartley worked for 31 years in a number of senior roles at LockInspection Systems. He said: “I will be assisting the Yamato technical support team todemonstrate that Yamato has a responsive service and can specify andquote for customers’ requirements, accurately and quickly. I am also lookingforward to the new factory where new production principles can beintroduced as we strive for class-leading delivery and efficiency.” To advertise your services onthe news pages contact us on01472 310302Diageo appoint ex-Bacardi chief aschairmanJavvier Ferrán, aformer ChiefExceptive ofBacardi, has beennamed as the newchairman of Diageo,effective 1 January2017 on theretirement of DrFranz Humer. In theinterim, Ferrán will serve as non-Executive Director. Mr Ferrán is a partner at Lion Capital having been a founder partner since2005, prior to that he spent over 10 years at Bacardi, latterly as Presidentand CEO. He is currently a non-executive director at SAB Miller, AssociatedBritish Foods and Desigual, and a member of the Advisory Board ofAgrolimen and the ESADE Business School. Lord Davies of Abersoch, Senior Non-Executive Director, ChairmanNominations Committee, said: “The Board is delighted that Javier hasagreed to be the next Chairman of Diageo. He has experience across theconsumer sector, given his career at both Lion Capital and Bacardi, and hehas demonstrated his ability to enable companies to drive value through therigorous deployment of capital. He therefore brings a strong set of skills andexperience to the role of Chairman.”Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, added: “Diageo is executing a clearstrategy with discipline in order to deliver accelerated top line growth,greater productivity and continued strong cash flow.”12_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:00 Page 1Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netBrand new TV campaign for Old Jamaica Ginger BeerCott Beverage’s flagship brand, Old Jamaica, isreturning to UK TV screens this summer with a new advertto create excitement around its portfolio.Through its ‘Totally Tallawah’ campaign, the brand willbe celebrating the spirit of authentic Jamaica through theuse of the nation’s famous ‘tallawah’ attitude to life, usingthis to explain what gives the products their distinctive‘zingaling’. The ad, which was shot on the golden beaches ofKingston, Jamaica, last month, will air from 26 May andsupport the entire range of products united under the Old Jamaica banner.Playing on the brand’s authentically Jamaican heritage, the latest advertising campaign willsupport sales during the key summer period, targeting consumers through exposure on a number ofhigh profile channels, with an estimated reach of 80 million over a number of weeks.Gavin Herbert, Senior Brand Manager at Old Jamaica, said: “We know our new TV execution willresonate with fans of Old Jamaica, whilst also presenting us with the opportunity to reach newconsumers who have not tried our products before. We hope to inspire them to embrace the realspirit of Jamaica this summer!”A smart investment forClondalkin FlexiblePackaging BuryClondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury, a keysupplier of flexible packaging solutions in the food,dairy, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, hasinvested in new technology for embossing onaluminium lids.Developed by Berhalter, SMARTembosser™ is aunique and innovative embossing system that enhances print quality and increases brandingopportunities on foil lids. Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury is currently the only pre-cut lidsmanufacturer in the UK to have this technology.Paul Whelan, Technical Manager for Lids at Clondalkin Flexible Packaging, said: “Embossing is atechnical requirement on all pre-cut aluminium lids and traditionally this is produced with an all-overembossing pattern.“SMARTembossing™ allows a customer to choose whereabouts on the lid they have theembossing, which means they can choose to emboss the rim of the lid only, leaving the rest of thelid smooth and any graphics unaffected. Printing onto a smooth lid means there is no designdistortion and enhances print quality.Bodega go waybeyond withlaunch of twonew rangesOlive brand, Bodega, hasbranched out into two newcategories, launching a range offlavour-inspired grain salads and aselection platter that brings togethera classic combination of antipasti ingredients.Food lovers will be taken way beyond any salad they have experiencedbefore with the new flavour focussed range; taking inspiration from the richflavours of Spain, Morocco and Italy.The antipasti platter, meanwhile, brings together tasty Italian charcuterie,sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and Bodega’s most popular olive; theirmild Nocellara.Mary Pennell, Marketing and NPD Controller at Continental Fine Foods,said: “Grain salads are wholesome and healthy but can often be bland. AtBodega we don’t take bland for an answer; we take the grains and add tastyingredients and interesting textures to create mouth-watering colourful salads.“While some salads conjure up images of limp leaves or mayonnaiseladen mixes; the Bodega salads go Way Beyond Salad.”The Bodega antipasti selection is classically continental and full ofMediterranean colour, taste and texture – perfect for sharing. Alpura launches evaporated milk inaseptic carton packs with screw cap Mexican dairy cooperative Alpurahas now added evaporated milk toits product portfolio. The productsare sold in combiblocCompact withscrew cap combiSmart from SIGCombibloc. With this product launch,Alpura and SIG Combibloc arekicking off their partnership with aninnovation, because evaporated milkin carton packs with screw cap is anewcomer to the Mexican marketand offers a new solution for retail.Previously, evaporated milk wasmainly available here in food metalcans. Jorge Aguilar, CEO of Alpura, said:“We are confident that withevaporated milk in recloseable carton packs we’re offering consumers realadded value. With the convenient, easy-open closure, the package fitsperfectly with the convenience trend that modern consumers demand. Thecarton pack is very easy to open and conveniently reclose, becausecombiSmart has little ‘wings’ on the sides of the screw cap.”Iranian beveragespecialist launches‘SunStar’ in thecombidome carton bottle Zarin Jam Marina, a leading Iranian beveragemanufacturer, has again opted for an innovationfrom SIG Combibloc. With combidome, Marina istaking an important step towards cleardifferentiation of its products on the sales shelf. Marina will shortly be launching 21 varieties of itspopular ‘SunStar’ beverages in combidome. Apartfrom the closure, the package is manufacturedentirely from a cardboard composite – from its baseright up to the dome that gives the carton itsspecial shape.With the market launch of combidome, Marina ismaking a statement in the up-and-coming MiddleEast/Africa (MEA) region. In this region, in additionto product protection and economic considerations,criteria such as differentiation and convenience playa major role when it comes to beverage packaging. Hazem Mizban, owner of Marina, said:“combidome meets all the requirements for modernbeverage packaging: the carton bottle combines allthe great product features of a carton pack with thepositive characteristics of a bottle.”13_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:01 Page 114 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTIf one aspect of the food industry ismost indicative of the changes takingplace among producers and consumers,it’s labelling. It falls on labelling to conveynutritional information and guidancealongside an ingredients list and, in mostcases, a design which will appeal andresonate with consumers. As theconsumer experience is increasinglydominated by the digital, labelling mustalso function in an omnichannelenvironment, meaning producers mustdisplay social media links/addresses andpossibly the addition of a QR code - “amachine-readable code consisting of anarray of black and white squares, typicallyused for storing URLs or otherinformation for reading by the camera ona smartphone” - to cater to its customer’slifestyles. When it comes to the importand export of food and beverage products,labelling is absolutely crucial. In order to successful export foodstuffsto any country, it first meansunderstanding its tastes and culture. Goodmarket research is certainly one piece ofthe puzzle, although many manufacturersactually opt to spend time in any givencountry in order to adequately immersethemselves and better understand whethertheir product is an appropriate fit. Thiscan be supplemented by market testingand focus groups. As China continues toremain a lucrative market for foodexporters, while others are continuing toopen up and attract more trade,understanding another culture can proveto be a real boon. Using this informationand experience can manifest in varyingways, including the alteration of a recipein order to better suit a country’s tastepreferences, or make language or designalterations to the labelling/packaging soit’s in keeping with existing productswhilst also retaining an element ofdifferentiation. Despite the importance ofaesthetics, particularly when breaking intoa new market, the more significant issue isin complying with that market’s labellinglaws and legislation. What is permissible in one country orterritory might not necessarily be the casein another. Furthermore, differentgovernments might have differingrequirements for food products, meaningthat manufactures must ensure a thoroughunderstanding of the marketplace on alegislative level as well as a cultural onebefore launching a new product. Of increased importance in recent years,is the call for country of origin labelling(or COOL). Following the horse meatscandal in 2013, and various other foodscares since, there is a heightenedawareness on food origin particularlyamong consumers. The paradigm of theRead betweenthe linesChanges to labelling, both existing and nascent, are provingto be a real boon for food and beverage exporters. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DEREK HATFIELD14-17_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:12 Page 1Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTfood industry was forever changed by theexperience, yet many positives have arisenas a result. COOL, however, not onlyallows for a greater degree of traceability,it also helps to sell a country as a brandoverseas and in other markets. Certaincountries are renowned for their products,especially meats, and as such becomedesirable commodities. Clearly defined andtraceable country of origin labelling, then,is advantageous to food producers andmanufactures selling their products inforeign markets. There have beennumerous stories in the media which claimthat food products purporting to be from acertain country, or contain ingredientssource from said country, were found to befalse. With an industry-wide realigningand deployment of COOL, these storiescan soon become a thing of the past. PHOTO: MANDRITOIU / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM16 ÁChinese scallop prices rise afterEU lifts import banFollowing news that the EuropeanUnion has ended a 19 year long banon imported Chinese scallops, priceswere buoyed by 23% in the month ofApril. Chinese imports were originallybanned in July 1997 after the presenceof vibrio parahaemolyticus (a bacteriumwhich causes gastrointestinalinfections) was identified in frozenscallop meat. Currently, only the ZhangzidaoGroup of Dalian has met the stringentguidelines, meaning it can now importto the EU. The lifting of the ban has ledto an increase in exports to the EU,which has had a knock on effect inChina where the price of Chinesescallops has risen and supply is limited. Zhangzidao has said that the EU will be on one of their main markets for the sought-after yessoscallop – a large bivalve that is cultivated extensively in China and Japan. In 2015, Zhangzidao’syesso scallop farm became the first in China to receive Marine Stewardship Council certification. According to commodities analyst Mintec, China is the world’s largest producer and exporter ofscallops via aquaculture, which translates as 18% of the world scallop exports. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JANE RIX14-17_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:12 Page 216 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTCountry of origin labelling is provingparticularly attractive among consumersand certainly to food manufacturersthemselves, but it is becoming a priority forparliament. Members of the EuropeanParliament (MEPs) have once again calledfor COOL to be made mandatory for meatand milk with a recent vote calling forbetter information to be provided to EUconsumers. This follows COOL forprocessed foods winning the backing of theEU Parliament back in February last year.This latest move, as with before, wasmotivated by ushering in and improvingtransparency across the food chainfollowing the aforementioned horse meatscandal and myriad other cases of foodfraud. The MEPs put forward the claimthat mandatory labelling would help toimprove customer confidence in foodproducts by enabling the food supply chainto become more transparent. For anindustry that is so heavily reliant on theimport and export of goods, traceability andtransparency can be tantamount to success. Exporting food products into foreignmarkets or, conversely, new products intoa producer’s existing markets, is a complexprocess in which a variety of factors are inplay. As in almost all other aspects of thefood and beverage sector, traceability andtransparency are becoming fundamentalto trade and proving attractive toconsumers. Both can likewise prove makeor break when it comes to exporting foodand drink products overseas, sounderstanding the complicated marketfactors is absolutely crucial. Newlegislation and concerns surroundinglabelling likewise throws up challengesand opportunities in equal abundance.Understanding these issues is key forexporters looking to break into newmarkets or create stronger relations withexisting ones.Iconic Scottish mackerel fisheryachieves prestigious MarineStewardship Council ecolabel The commitment of Scottish pelagic fishermen to a sustainable future has beenunderlined by the certification of the North East Atlantic mackerel fishery with theprestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ecolabel.Over 700 northern European mackerel fishing vessels from Scotland, Denmark, Ireland,Northern Ireland, England, Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, France andLithuania participated in the MSC certification.John Goodlad, Chairman of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group (SPSG), saidmackerel was Scotland’s most important fishery in terms of value and volume, andgaining MSC certification highlighted the sector’s determination to fish responsibly and ensure a sustainable future for the sector.“It is fantastic to see that the sustainable practices carried out in this iconic fishery have been recognised by achieving the much coveted MSCecolabel,” he said.“MSC certification gives a clear message to consumers that the mackerel they buy is sustainably caught and comes from a responsible and wellmanaged fishery.“The MSC stamp of approval also gives an important boost to Scottish fishermen and processors and will aid marketing mackerel around the world.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DMITRY KALINOVSKY14-17_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:12 Page 3MAKE YOUR EXPORT RESULTS DO FULL JUSTICE TO YOUR EFFORTS ACHIEVE SO MUCH MORE WITH THE RIGHT SOFTWARE BEHIND YOUExportmaster’s range of three software products matches the needs and budget of every exporter from the smallest trader to the largest multinational. Whether you’re out to PTWYV]LLMÄJPLUJ`J\[JVZ[ZVYPUJYLHZLZHSLZ[OL`WYV]PKL[Y\S`JVZ[LMMLJ[P]LZVS\[PVUZto real-world problems. Check out what Exportmaster has to offer your export operations. SOFTWARE THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE SERIOUS EXPORTER!TAKE YOUR EXPORTS FURTHER7KHZRUOG·VPRVWSRZHUIXODQGFRQÀJXUDEOHH[SRUWGRFXPHQWDWLRQSDFNDJH7KHFRPSOHWHPDQDJHPHQWDQGDGPLQSDFNDJHIRUH[SRUWVDOHVDQGVKLSSLQJ7KHWRWDOEXVLQHVVSDFNDJHIRUH[SRUWWUDGHUVDQGLQWHUPHGLDULHVCall: 020 8681 2321ZZZH[SRUWPDVWHUFRXN14-17_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:12 Page 418 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGEvery Operations Manager knows thatefficiency and safety are vital when itcomes to handling materials, whether theyare hazardous or benign. It is no secretthat handling materials in a cut-and-thrust environment can cause seriousinjury, or worse. Safety is paramount inany business setting, and injury cases canbe incredibly costly. Adhering to bestpractice is a must for conscientiouscompanies who want to keep their costs toa minimum. That said, the demand forfresher food has placed an incrediblestrain on the supply chain industry, withmanufacturers rushing to meet thestringent time frames of larger retailers. Inmany cases there are just a few daysallowed between the completion of aproduct, and its delivery to the retailer –so it is perhaps understandable that thePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ANDREI MAYATNIKRISKTechnology may be advancing, but materials handling still plays animportant part in the supply chain. As one of the most dangerousparts of the industry however, it’s important that steps are taken tomitigate risk.Handling18-20_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:10 Page 1Food & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.netMATERIALS HANDLINGsupply chain is feeling the pressure. With such irregular schedules to followand a wide variety of products to shift, themanual element of the workforce remainsas necessary as ever. While factories aremoving towards almost full levels ofautomation, within the warehouses it isstill individual staff shifting goods about.Be it through forklifts, trolleys, conveyorbelts or other materials handlingequipment – the focus is on speed,efficiency and ultimately, safety. These three factors are more variedthan they first seem, and in some casescan conflict with one another. Speed andefficiency are often mistaken for the samething, and while it’s forgivable for aworker to attempt to fulfil an order byusing a little extra haste, there can berisks involved, not only to personal safety,but also the operations of the warehouse.True efficiency is an improvement thatcomes about regardless of the individualeffort involved. It is a passive componentin many cases, one that will work aseffectively for one employee as it will foranother. Assuming the process is followedcorrectly, of course. Forklifts, for instance, are a staple ofthe materials handling industry, withalmost every warehouse or distributioncentre in the country operating a few atleast. What can cause confusion howeveris the wide array of forklifts available onthe market, and what roles they mightbest be suitable towards. Industrial reachforklifts are best suited to taller rackingsystems, very common within the foodand drink industry due to the sheerquantity of stock that is kept in awarehouse, often necessitating thatoperators stack their products tall as wellas wide. If your warehouse has unusuallythin aisles, possibly because of evenhigher levels of stock, then a 3-wheelforklift can offer more manoeuvrability,allowing it to operate in these thinneraisles. What a company needs can depend ona hundred different factors, from thewidth of the aisles, the height of thestacking, weight of palletised goods – oreven how far back on a rack they arestacked. Almost all forklifts will comewith health and safety precautions such asshielded roofs as standard, but theremight also need to be considerations interms of user accessibility, or evenergonomics. While many may scoff at theidea that ergonomic design should warranta more expensive forklift system, oneshould remember that in an average dayan operator might move their arm over athousand times an hour, and their headtwice that number. Dragging that out overan eight hour day is going to cause seriousstrain and fatigue on workers, and whilethis might not lead to injury – it willcertainly have an impact on efficiencylevels, as workers begin to pause to loosenmuscles or take quick rests. This is a clearexample of the differences between speedand efficiency within the materialshandling industry and to a degree canmimic the story of the tortoise and thehare. And while no one can endorsetortoise-like speed in the warehouse, it ispreferred to be able to maintain a pace ofindustry through the day, rather than lagtowards the end due to fatigue. One obstacle to efficiency can often belocating and accessing products within thewarehouse when they need to be shippedout. While most products of a particularbrand or batch will likely be stored witheach other, the individual size of thepackaging can vary greatly. Pallet-wrapping machines can help maximise onthis, by safely ensuring a wider range ofboxes can be stored together on a singlepallet. This also provides added safety tothe products if they need to be stored atheight, as there is no risk of individualpackages being knocked loose. Even whenit comes to these machines though, thereis a staggering amount of options availableon the market, with varying prices andoptions. What becomes obvious however is theneed for a structured plan in regards tothe warehouse, or specialised supply chainmanagement software, to handle day-to-day operations. With the pallet wrapperfor instance, a supervisor would not wantto be beholden to each and every deliveryfor them to decide what variables to use.A SCM system in place could let theworkers on the floor know exactly whatsettings to use for each delivery, allowingthem to get started immediately ratherthan wait for specific direction. Similarly agood software system can prepare staff forupcoming arrivals or departures, and alsoarrange shifts and forklift allocation sothat there are no clashes. A well-structured supply chainmanagement system can also help when itcomes to the unexpected, and undesirable,situation of dealing with product recallsand traceability. Though no company20 ÁGraphit ideal for combattingproduction line challengesOptimising workstations,introducing live storage, roller trackand carts and trolleys purpose built tostore, handle and transport items, arechanges that can be made to improvethe layout and ergonomics of workingareas and ensure produce,components and tools are alwayswithin easy reach. This reduces thenumber of picking tasks and thedistances moved to place or retrieveitems. The Tube and Bracket Company’sfully optimised applications for thefood production environment help tocombat over-reaching and reduce theinjuries that can lead to mistakesresulting in expensive product defectsand production slow-downs. Graphit is resistant to corrosion by liquids and easy to clean andmaintain.Extremely versatile and reusable, the custom built solutions are fully adjustable and ideal forsensitive production areas and mobile storage, providing the toughness and cleanliness soimportant in food processing and distribution. For more information, visit www.tubeandbracket.com.18-20_Layout 1 27/05/2016 09:10 Page 2Next >