Faccenda ups efficiency with training and robotics
In this exclusive podcast, Gormley tells FoodManufacture.co.uk one of the most impressive features of the plant was a robotic packaging system installed by equipment supplier Stork Marel.
“Stork Marel’s RoboBatcher is a robotic packing system, which will produce very low giveaway, fixed-weight retail packs and therefore reduce waste,” said Gormley.
Food industry criticised
The UK food industry has often been criticised for not adopting automation as fast as some other countries. However, until recently robotic systems such as the one launched by Faccenda could not handle delicate products, such as eggs, fruit or raw meat, without damaging them, hampering progress.
Gormley explains in this interview that the Telford site was not just focusing on automation, but also on training up staff in lean manufacturing techniques to improve performance and volumes.
The new Telford facility can process and supply 1.2M birds a week to retail and foodservice customers and has the capability to move to at least 1.8M.
To hear more about the RoboBatcher and Faccenda’s approach to lean manufacturing, listen to the whole of Gormley’s interview.
Don’t miss the forthcoming December issue of our sister publication Food Manufacture magazine for a full Me & My Factory feature on the Telford facility and Gormley.
