The bakery audits now being conducted by major retailers require companies to provide proof of the reliability of their plant and reveal contingency plans in the event of equipment failure. This is in addition to showing detailed project portfolio management documents and critical spares procedures.

These demands were described as: “A great initiative which will help reduce the cost of unplanned breakdowns and secure product supply, prevent short orders and cancelled deliveries,” by Rob Pedlar, EPP’s recently appointed After Sales Contract Manager.

It is a new role at the Epsom-based company which has been enabling bakery innovation for 45 years.  Mr Pedlar is charged with further developing EPP’s after sales service support and maintenance programmes for the company’s growing list of customers.

He urges bakeries to ask themselves: “How do we implement these requirements?”  He then quickly provides the answer. “It’s easy!  Adopt a proactive approach to maintenance. A large amount of my time is currently spent discussing the best ways to ensure reliable equipment. Planned maintenance agreements, emergency response, enhanced training, correct spares are all tools that will help provide this security.

“Taking a proactive and positive approach is an easy decision to make when you realise the cost of non-compliance with retailer demands will result in penalties for short orders, cancelled deliveries and ultimately could lead to a delisting of a product or a whole range.

“Proper maintenance planning is therefore essential for bakers to keep their equipment reliable and performing at optimum levels,” said Mr Pedlar. “And help get you through those retailer audits!”