Platform for the food and beverage industry
Those who grow rapidly can sometimes encounter growing pains. At Food Ingredients Technologies, the warehouse was completely bursting at the seams as a result. The result? The movement of raw materials and employees was no longer running optimally. DD engineering was brought in to address the current processes and flow so that the production space would be optimally utilized.
Food Ingredients Technologies (FIT) develops and produces functional and aromatic ingredients and blends for all sectors of the food industry. With a great passion for food and taste, the R&D team is always looking for the tastiest solutions for its customers. "In doing so, we start from a large range of individual ingredients and mix them in the right proportions to create a finished end product, to innovative flavors. This can be intended for making marinades, sauces, broths, flavor enhancers, but can also serve as an ingredient in fish, meat and vegetarian preparations," opens CEO David Landau. FIT treats its customers like kings. "Our philosophy is one of hyper-flexibility in terms of custom development, fast delivery and ingredient blending." That approach combined with the team's expertise and experience has proven to be a formula for success in recent years.
The rapid growth experienced by FIT in recent years brought some practical challenges at its production site in Ghislenghien. The warehouse there was bursting at the seams, causing a loss of time and efficiency. DD engineering was tasked with first identifying all areas for improvement and then translating them into concrete, realistic solutions. A task the company gladly took to heart. A quick analysis of the existing raw materials warehouse immediately made it clear that the available space could be used much more efficiently. Adjustments to the layout and the use of a reach truck for narrow aisles added almost half the additional storage capacity. "That 45% additional storage capacity results in the fact that I can stay at my current production site a little longer anyway," the business manager says.
The layout of production and the associated movement of raw materials and personnel were also no longer appropriate for growth. Working with FIT's project team, DD Engineering engineers mapped the processes to determine a new layout. This resulted in increased efficiency but also increased safety and ergonomics for FIT's employees. Running the flow of pallets of weighed ingredients through the existing floor freed up a lot of space.
To optimize production, adjustments were needed in several areas. This started with a new concrete floor for production, with an epoxy coating to improve drainage for increased cleanliness and cleanability. In the weighing area, capacity was increased with an additional weighing area. New ventilation was installed to minimize dust formation. Where necessary, the necessary shielding and adjustments were made in accordance with current legislation and regulations on food safety. The mixing plant was also renovated to increase capacity, quality, safety and ergonomics. It was divided into dedicated areas, equipped with a well-dimensioned extraction system which resulted in increased quality and cleanability. It was also taken into account that empty containers could be quickly removed and disposed of. Finally, a dedicated cleaning area was created in the cleared area. There, all equipment and mobile devices can be wet cleaned. Appropriate ventilation was also provided here for fast and efficient drying.
Also curious about what DD Engineering's logistics engineers can do for your production floor? If so, contact the company today.
