A journey of dedication and innovation in the bakery industry

Roger Mott, of European Process Plant Ltd (EPP), has risen to the challenge more than a few times in his career. From setting up bakeries in far-flung nations like Uganda and Nigeria, to supercharging automation in lines across the UK and Ireland, he has met each task with his amiable personality and expert knowledge. Now, after 30 years with EPP, Roger will add the finishing garnishes to his outstanding career, before packing away the business attire and business cards for the last time in June 2025, to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Roger’s working life began as soon as he left school, undertaking an engineering apprenticeship before becoming a bakery engineer, with the role later progressing into sales. With a family bakery business, known as Earl’s Bakery, Roger was exposed to baking machinery and processes from an early age. Roger credits his family for teaching him how to make bread rolls, among other baked goods.

Prior to EPP, Roger took mentorship under renowned baker and owner of Panificio Italiano, Piero Scacco, whom Roger remains friends with to this day. Reflecting fondly, Roger attributes his extensive understanding of bakery processes to Piero. Throughout his career, Roger has established many strong relationships with his customers due to the trust, honesty and integrity supported by Roger’s bakery engineering background. This unique position strengthened his ability to advise his colleagues and customers, providing them with confidence in the products.

Stewart Morris, Sales Director at EPP commented,”I was relatively new at EPP when Roger joined the company, and his extensive knowledge of bakery equipment was immediately evident.  Roger very quickly made a significant contribution to EPP, and his industry insight has been invaluable to me, and the wider business.  He is highly regarded by colleagues, customers and suppliers, many of whom regard him as a friend, and his involvement will be greatly missed by us all.”

“A personal highlight during my career at EPP has been witnessing the impressive growth of some small bakeries into national outlets through adopting automated lines. One such bakery is now able to produce 16,000 pizzas every hour with a line sourced from Koenig, manned by just a few people!” exclaims Roger. “A further highpoint for me has been seeing a project from start to finish and being able to contribute to automating a whole process, from the ingredients stage, to seeing the boxed products on the shelves of large supermarkets – this creates a real buzz and sense of satisfaction for me.”

Roger has continued to pay back to the industry, exemplified by the guidance and support he gave to Ged McBride, who followed Roger’s own path from engineer to Technical Sales Manager for EPP.

“I initially met Roger in my role as a Service Engineer with EPP. He is a man with a big reputation, clearly well liked and always approachable. It was a chance discussion with Roger in a hotel reception that first started the ball rolling with me changing roles to move over onto the sales side. He saw something in my customer-focused approach, which is very much how he is. He gave me the confidence to take a chance and make the change. Roger is a big character and known throughout the industry, I have even met people on holiday who have asked me about Roger Mott!” commented Ged McBride.

Upon retiring, Roger confesses that he will miss the people most, and the relationships he has created throughout his career have been his favourite part of working within the industry. Roger’s personal advice to individuals starting out in the industry is to “sell yourself before the equipment”, as the importance of building reputation and relationships first.In the process of finalising his commitments, Roger will be handing over his duties to Jole Reddin at EPP who has worked alongside Roger for almost 10 years.

“After starting my career at EPP in an admin role, I credit Roger for recognising my skills which suited the position of Technical Sales Manager and the support he has given me in the position. These last few months, it has been a pleasure to travel with Roger and meet with his customers, continually witnessing the warmth in which they welcome him with, a testament to the strong relationships he has built. I certainly have big boots to fill! Roger has been a staple in the bakery industry for well over 30 years and I wish him a happy, fulfilling retirement,” states Jole Reddin, Technical Sales Manager at EPP.

Pondering the possibilities of travelling during retirement, Roger admits that travelling to Australia and New Zealand pique his interest, and he intends to meet up with some of the friends he has made across the globe during his career, with many residing in Italy.

“Roger has been a large part of EPP and its success for the last 30 years, and as he approaches retirement, we’d like to celebrate and thank him for all that he has achieved. On behalf of us all at EPP and our suppliers, we wish Roger a very happy, well-deserved retirement,” states Steve Merritt, Managing Director at EPP.

For more information on EPP and its wide range of products and services, please go to www.eppltd.co.uk.