Pre-wired plug-and-play designs for quick factory installation
Having an expert engineering team on-site for factory installation is expensive, explains Valeria Lucinschi, General Operations from Kuipers Food Processing Machinery. We had the pleasure of getting her insights on ensuring an efficient buying cycle for their industrial frying technology.
The buying cycle’s ABC from recipe testing to FAT
For most traditional snacks such as potato chips, various nuts, and pellets, Kuipers has perfected the process parameters and can easily offer a solution. Even if the product seems standard, the first step is to ensure that the equipment can offer exactly what the customer wants, explains Valeria.
Thus, all process and product specifications are gathered and analyzed. Nowadays, however, many ‘’new products’’ need further testing to ensure the desired outcome. After observing and documenting product behavior in the fryer, the team uses computer simulations to calculate product parameters, fryer size, oil consumption, and turnover rates.
Once these parameters are agreed upon and the drawings are finalized, then they are sent to manufacturing. Next, the Kuipers’ service team in the Netherlands takes over the electrical pre-wiring and automation. Therefore, the plant can be fully pre-tested before transportation. Customers can join the factory acceptance test to ensure all the main parts of the plant are functional.
Have your site ready for operation within one week
After the FAT and the customer’s agreement, the plant is packed in Lego-like blocks and sent on-site. Although many delays are experienced worldwide, Valeria states that: ‘’In best case scenario a small standard fryer can be ready within 36 weeks.”
Your site should be ready with electrical power and a piping system before the plant arrives, so the Kuipers team can install it mechanically. This also reduces errors, and what is more, Kuipers can install a standard line, run an acceptance test, and train the operating staff within one week.
“On average, it costs more than 1000 euros a day to have an engineer at the site”, Valeria highlights. “Installation costs should be a crucial factor considered in the overall value of the processing plant. Most equipment suppliers take more than a month to install and start up a plant.”
Ultimately, plug-and-play style systems are the way to go if you want to start and run your production faster and save money.
