Ingredient handling system upgrade boosts output

A significant installation and upgrade of flour and ingredient handling systems at Mission Foods has increased volume and throughput by up to a third.

A significant systems installation and upgrade of flour and ingredient handling systems at Mission Foods has increased volume and throughput by up to a third.

AZO, global leaders in ingredients automation, have completed a significant systems installation and upgrade at Mission Foods' UK plant in Coventry, which has led to an increase in capacity by up to a third.

Gruma, the world's largest corn flour and tortilla producer, manufacture and distribute tortillas under the well known Mission brand name.

The UK operation required an extension of the existing flour and ingredient handling systems in order to integrate an additional Tortilla production line.

So far, volume and throughput has increased by 30% and production capabilities have been enhanced to allow for further developments.

AZO, who installed the original equipment when the factory was built in 2000, provided a full turnkey upgrade including control systems and both mechanical and electrical installation.

A new flour weigh hopper and pipework were installed in order to integrate the new production line with the existing equipment.

Additional screening sifters, based on AZO's latest technology, were also added to increase flexibility at the plant.

AZO worked to a critical time schedule with Mission Foods to ensure that production levels were maintained during the upgrade.

Works on the GBP 200,000 contract took place over a 4-week period during November and December 2003.

Nick Houghton, Managing Director of Gruma Europe, says: "The integration of the systems has been very successful.

We continue to work with AZO over the years because of their reliability, experience and extreme competence." Alan Prentice, Sales Director of Ingredient Handling Solutions, UK agents for AZO comments: "AZO have worked in many countries for Gruma Corporation and the latest upgrade at Mission confirms our excellent working relationship.

AZO pioneered centrifugal sifter development in 1949 and our continued advanced technology makes us a perfect partner for food applications." Ingredient Handing Solutions (IHS) are the agents for AZO in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

IHS have extensive experience and expertise in the automation of raw materials, ingredients, additives, flavouring and colouring substances in granular, powdery or liquid form.

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