MSP MAGAZINE Issue 48

NEWS
over the years in a continual quest
to streamline processes using the
latest technology, meeting and
exceeding customer expectations.
IT’S ALL IN THE MIX
The importance of getting all
factors well controlled early
on in the process cannot be
underestimated. Regardless of
the forming technology used, it
is often the upstream process of
preparing the raw mix that has the
biggest impact upon the success
of operations further down the
line. The mixture must be carefully
prepared upstream with the right
balance of ingredients at the right
temperature and viscosity, to
feed efficiently into the forming
equipment. Manufacturers
sometimes make the mistake of
trying to mix all the ingredients
together in one go. However, some
ingredients, such as starches, are
only effective during cooking and
can inhibit the absorption of water if
added too early. GEA has developed
a range of equipment for accurate
and effective mixing including the
GEA CutMaster, GEA PowerGrind
and GEA ProMix.
TEST BEFORE YOU INVEST
Naturally, before any decisions are
made, food manufacturers need
reassurance that any equipment purchased
will prove to be a profitable
investment. Feasibility studies, process
improvements and R&D tests
all need to continue, even during
the current COVID crisis. Tests are
carried out at the GEA Technology
Center in Bakel, The Netherlands,
which remains fully up and running.
Customers are welcome to visit
the center for tests, but if this isn’t
possible due to travel restrictions
or company rules, GEA experts can
carry out tests at a distance, after
which results are collected and a
test report including videos, pictures
and, if possible, samples are
shipped. Alternatively, ‘live’ interactive
testing can also be arranged.
PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE
Rather than simply supplying
equipment, GEA prides itself on its
passionate approach and knowledgeable
staff, and has developed
long term working relationships
with food manufacturers around
the globe, supporting them in providing
excellence at every stage of
production
SERVICE
Any investment made in GEA’s
equipment is supported by a longterm
relationship, and a network
of service engineers and stocks of
spare parts are available around the
world. Denmark-based producer of
cooked chicken products Danpo
installed a fully automated chicken
nugget line from GEA, expanding
its ‘Your Chicken’ brand. Product
Technical Manager Per Ulrik
Jørgensen commented: “I like
working with GEA, I can speak to
people and they understand what
I am talking about. They provide a
round-the-clock service with fast,
easy solutions to improve the line
capacity or performance.”
A new digital channel which allows
customers to access a range of
services for their equipment, GEA
Advance is now also being piloted.
This new digital solution will allow
GEA to modernize the way service
colleagues interact with customers,
allowing for rapid ordering of spare
parts and real-time access to
technical documentation.•
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www.gea.com
10 | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 | MSP Magazine