The challenges of supplying the right machinery
20 February 2012
Alan Yates, MD of Endoline Machinery and President of the PPMA, will be presenting at Appetite for Engineering at the Hinckley Island Hotel on 12 June 2012, about how the lack of communication is the greatest challenge for equipment suppliers when working with food manufacturers
Appetite for Engineering will feature a host of the top names in the food and beverage sector including Marks & Spencer, Warburtons, Burton's Foods, Ryvita and several other companies. Alan Yates will be presenting a very different talk from them, as he'll be focusing on the challenges faced by machinery suppliers.
''The specification of secondary packaging systems often appears to be an afterthought for many food manufacturers who will regularly request a quick quote for a ‘standard’ machine, almost like they’ve forgotten to order one!,'' Alan says.
''And then somehow, the equipment has to fit into the little space that’s left! I'll discuss the need for ‘open communication’ and sharing of information between the two parties at the beginning stages of the project lifecycle.
''Although a simple request and solution to what is a challenge for many OEMs, the lack of project detail and technical internal requirements often leads to unnecessary re-quotes, numerous versions of layout drawings and late modifications to the machine during build which can then cause delay. Wasted time, effort and money could easily be saved by both parties – if only we’d have talked sooner.''
Before joining Endoline, Alan had an established career within the printing industry spanning over 25 years. With a proven track record of managing companies from Baltimore to South Wales Alan left the printing world in 1990 to become Operations Director of the family business, Endoline Machinery – which was founded by Alan’s father Ron in 1981.
Alan took over as MD in 1997 and today Endoline employs almost 50 members of staff, including Alan’s three sons. The company’s end of line machinery range which includes case forming, erecting, loading, sealing and palletising equipment, is sold around the world through a wide network of agents and distributors to food, drink, pharma and household goods manufacturers to name a few.
A member of the industry trade Association, the PPMA (Processing & Packaging Machinery Association), Alan joined the PPMA board of directors in 2003 and became the association’s president in 2008; he is the only member who has held the position of president for two consecutive periods.
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