HIGH QUALITY EQUIPMENT CLEANING FROM OLIVER DOUGLAS “CREAMS” ORDER FROM MAJOR MANUFACTURER

Two adjacent installations from cleaning equipment specialists, Oliver Douglas are now helping Europe’s largest manufacturer of fresh cream products to optimise a key element of its production process – with clear-cut benefits arising in terms of cleaning quality and speed of throughput.

The installation of a separate Panamatic 700 and a Rotary Jet 750 at the Newark site of Laurens Patisseries – part of the Bakkavor Group – has been central to a refurbishment of the company’s rack and confectionery board cleaning process.  The two units are now at the heart of a dedicated wash area, which was refurbished to coincide with the Oliver Douglas installations, as Robin Wright, Engineering Projects Manager at Laurens Patisseries explains –

“Our cleaning procedures beforehand were centred on equipment which operated to a different design principal to the Oliver Douglas units,” he says.  “This could have a negative impact on throughput time in order to achieve the highest level of cleaning result and, moreover, was sited in a room which did not benefit from a purpose-designed layout – such as the external ducting fan arrangement that is now part of the new installation.”

Both the Oliver Douglas Panamatic and the Rotary Jet at the site feature a twin door ‘pass through’ design whereby products are loaded in from one side and extracted from the other.  The Panamatic accommodates confectionery boards located vertically in batches of 20 into a purpose designed holder, which was also supplied by Oliver Douglas.  Baskets, into which utensils can be located as required, have also been provided.  Alongside, the Rotary Jet 750 receives the mobile racks and empty frames where they are subjected to a cleaning and rinsing processes that reach some 65°C and 85°C respectively.

“Importantly, the two units feature stainless steel construction, both externally and internally,” continues Robin Wright, “which eradicates any risk of corrosion that could arise, for example, where brass or phosphated bronze components are used.  This is particularly important given the caustic-based wash solutions that we use.”

The installation in Newark operates on a 24/7 basis and is clearly central to the continuous throughput of products – the site, for example, processes some 50 tonnes of choux pastry alone every week.  The bespoke configuration of the two machines is also critical as it avoids potential compromises that may have been necessary had ‘off the shelf’ alternatives be used.

“This is reflected not only in features such as the in and out loading capability, but also, for example, through the installation of a purpose-designed drainage facility from the Rotary Jet,” comments John Glover, Sales Manager at Oliver Douglas.  “As part of the room refurbishment, we made the most of a sunken drain facility alongside, which we connected to an automatic system within the unit.  This avoids the need for manual involvement and ensures that the drainage requirements are met at precisely the time they arise.”  He points out that an overflow and drainage plug arrangement meets corresponding requirements for the Panamatic unit.

“The Bakkavor Group is a major manufacturer in its field and its importance in Europe is fully reflected by the scale of the Laurens Patisseries facility in Nottinghamshire,” comments John Glover.  “We are delighted that these installations represent the latest in a number of projects that we have fulfilled for the organisation, and believe that our solution has successfully addressed the key requirements specified by Robin Wright and his team.”

The location of Oliver Douglas just some 40 miles away is also highlighted as a key factor in terms of ongoing support and servicing.  This, Oliver Douglas points out, enables the company to react more quickly and efficiently than could be achieved by competitors in Europe.

“This is a critical installation that, in many respects, is a production focus that directly impacts on the efficiency of the customer’s manufacturing operation,” concludes John Glover.  “The installations make the most of our equipment design and, importantly, their ability to be adapted and configured to meet precise operational needs.”

For more information contact:  admin@oliver-douglas.co.uk