More efficient production lines crucial to satisfying rising demand for cereals and other products
Meeting the surge in demand for grain-based foods
More efficient production lines crucial to satisfying rising demand for cereals and other products
There has been a surge in demand for grain-based foods in the United Kingdom . According to the Department for Environment , Food and Rural Affairs , it witnessed a remarkable 9.4 per cent increase in cereal production in 2022 , reaching just under 21 million tonnes . How can food manufacturers keep up with this demand ? One way is by implementing more efficient production lines . Here , Stephen Harding , managing director at the material handling expert Gough Engineering , proposes a unique solution to help maintain quality and efficiency throughout production lines .
Precision and efficiency are priorities in the production of grain-based food , and essential for manufacturers to meet food safety regulations and maintain consumer trust . To this end , it ’ s vital that food manufacturers maintain a seamless flow of product throughout their production lines , but issues like bottlenecks can be problematic and costly .
Bottlenecks in food manufacturing can occur when demand for a food product exceeds the capacity of the production equipment . Production bottlenecks lead to delays in subsequent processes and restrict the overall capability – e . g ., in time and flexibility of operations , both factors that impede manufacturers ’ profits .
As bottlenecks occur on the factory floor , they also occur in global supply chains — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic . Again , these bottlenecks can be attributed to growth versus demand . In 2021 , UK factories experienced the fastest order growth since December 2017 , driven by a strong domestic and gradual recovery in
22 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk global markets , as reported in a survey by the Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ), according to Reuters .
The report also highlights the need for businesses to manage supply chain constraints . Understanding the relationship between growth and demand is crucial for maintaining production efficiency and preventing bottlenecks . Consequently , manufacturers must address issues as shortages of raw materials and rising costs to maintain throughput .
SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMISATION
So , how can food manufacturers modify their production lines to avoid bottlenecks , both on the factory floor and on the global supply chain level ? The answer lies in bespoke material handling solutions that are designed to streamline the flow of goods throughout the supply chain .