In 2024 alone, UK food production costs have risen 9.2% as investments plummeted. Despite this, The Grocer reported that Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker exhibits an increase in supplier demand.
Exponential growth has been faster within Food Manufacturing than any other sector within the UK. Lloyds sector Tracker monitored this growth at 60.3, attributing to a wealth of growth within the industry. Additionally, manufacturing output has consistently increased, accounting for the additional expansion observed in May (53.4) and June (53.3). There are also pressures from inflation, such as higher labour, shipping and product costs.
Despite these fears, UK grocery inflation has slowed in July to 1.6%, its lowest level since September 2021. Dave Atkinson (UK head of Manufacturing at Lloyds Bank) remarked that whilst the Food and Drink Manufacturing Sector has recently faced sharp, sustained cost pressures, Food manufacturers are absorbing this increase and considering their suitability without raising prices drastically.
Large blue-chip manufacturers are cementing confidence about the current growth witnessed within the UK, as both Kellanova and PepsiCo announced investments within major manufacturing plants. They increased production efficiency whilst reducing annual C02 emissions as part of their sustainability programmes.
How Conveyors are Vital within the Food and Beverage Industry
A common theme within the discourse around improving a manufacturer’s output revolves around using conveyor systems. A high-quality system is vital within any manufacturing process, supporting an increase in product handling.
Choosing a conveyor system depends on your specific needs. If you are producing a small product, such as a confectionery product, utilising pallet conveyors will not be suitable. The choice of conveyor boils down to the individual needs highlighted within the production process.
The most popular conveyor systems within the food and drink industry include:
- Belt Conveyor
- Roller Conveyor
- Spiral Conveyor
- Z–conveyor
- Screw Conveyor
- Vibrating Conveyor
- Screen Conveyor
The Benefits of Using Conveyor Systems in the Food and Drink Industry
Historians speculate that the first man-powered conveyor systems were invented during the 18th century. These systems used cranks, and people operated them, constructed from wood and leather belts to transport coal and ore. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, conveyor systems found a home within the manufacturing process, increasing goods production to a mass scale, making them more affordable and creating a mass market leading to the rise of consumerism.
As the production process became more complex, conveyor systems needed to adapt. In 1804, the British Navy installed steam-powered conveyors in their kitchens, producing biscuits. Charles Goodyear then invented Vulcanized rubber in 1844. This innovation benefited the lifespan and durability of the conveyor belt, improving their quality and use. With the rise of Fordism conveyor systems became commonplace within manufacturing lines, as many viewed the benefits of increased production line operation, gaining more traction within more industries.
The use of conveyor systems greatly benefited food production as the industry made advancements, such as creating steel belts for conveyors in 1902 and synthetic fabric belting to transport larger quantities of food. Synthetic fabrics were created in accordance imposed by America on natural material due to the war effort.
Then, in 1970, modular plastic belting was invented, creating a quitter, more durable and hygienic line. This innovation also increased versatility, allowing factories to create more complex lines and benefit from saving floor space. Modular belts became the industry standard for food processing plants because they could be taken apart, cleaned and easily fixable.
Reducing the need for Manual Labour
Gone are the days when skilled manual workers were required to transport items during production. As technology has improved, so has the process found within production lines. The inclusion of manual decision points and skilled labourers reduces the speed of material handling, reducing production capabilities, with an increased potential for human error, leading to further costs to rectify.
Making Food and Drink Warehouse Safer
If products are manhandled within an unhealthy environment, quality control and sales decrease, and product damage increases. This is where conveyors step in; reducing human interaction eliminates manual handling. The following conveyor features minimise the risk of contamination and maintain high food and hygiene safety standards:
- Smooth surfaces
- Minimal crevices
- Stainless steel or plastic parts
Let’s not forget our workers. With the introduction of conveyor systems, workers will not have to shift heavy loads in compromising positions, which can harm their joints and back later in life. By decreasing the need for manual handling and reducing the workload, skilled workers be more productive, creating a positive workplace and workforce.
Increasing Efficiency in the Workplace
With an increase in positivity in a workplace, efficiency will naturally increase. Yet how does a conveyor support this?
As mentioned above, conveyor systems can increase production throughput, reduce waste and optimise energy efficiency, contributing to a company’s sustainability efforts.
A conveyor’s precision and flexibility is another incredible keynote of their use within factories. They can optimise the floor space, enabling operators to increase production during increased demand.
Even fully automated systems can be implemented, having factories communicate with different areas to assess where the product needs to be transported, further reducing human interaction.
How can Elmleigh Help?
Elmleigh’s dedicated team is here to help, with a decorated history of success in designing, manufacturing, and integrating specialised solutions to complex problems. Recent developments within Elmleigh enable our project managers to offer a full turnkey solution, surveying your factory and highlighting obsolete processes within the manufacturing line, lighting and power systems.
Our professional project managers support clients from initial conception through to maintenance. Our teams offer:
Do you Need Conveyors for Your Food Business?
Contact Elmleigh today to arrange a top-quality integration for your new food and drink conveyor system. Our team of experts will integrate a system that increases efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
Contact us via 01455 847045 or fill out our contact form on our contact page.