Product category:
Food and drink manufacturing: processing equipment
News Release from: Matcon | Subject: IBC Batch Blender
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 August 2003
Blender and refurbishments boost
capacity by 400%
Combination of fixed mixing and packing equipment coupled with Sleaford's strict cleaning regime was limiting production capacity until a batch blender and general refurbishment upped capcity by 400%.
Sleaford Quality Foods in the UK, a family-owned supplier of dehydrated fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices have grown substantially in recent years This growth has been due to Sleaford's ability to react quickly to customers needs
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 22 Jan 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Company found however, that the combination of fixed mixing and packing equipment coupled with Sleaford's strict cleaning regime was limiting production capacity.
Sleaford selected Matcon and EPCM Technology as their partners in a complete refurbishment of their UK facility.
A key goal of the project was to increase production capacity by 400% without reducing delivery lead times to customers or the need to employ more operators.
Following extensive full-scale product trials at Matcon's testing facility in the UK, the Matcon IBC Batch Blender was selected to complement Sleaford's traditional fixed mixers.
Fixed mixers have the disadvantage of a very low rate of utilisation (typically less than 10%) due to "dead time" during formulation, packing and cleaning.
The Matcon IBC Batch Blender has the advantage of allowing all non-mixing operations to take place "offline" as the mixing vessel itself (the IBC) can be removed.
The "Cone Valve" technology used in all Matcon IBCs, meant that potential problems caused by segregation during packing could also be avoided whilst providing guaranteed discharge of even the most difficult flowing products such as those recipes containing oil.
Sleaford's have not compromised on hygiene or quality in the design and construction of their production facility.
They have incorporated the highest GMP standards, including high quality flooring, walls, lighting and equipment specification - standards usually reserved for pharmaceutical installations.
Matcon are proud to have been able to assist Sleaford in their continuing success and to be a part of one of the most impressive Food Mixing and Packing plants in Europe.
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