The PFM Pearl entry level servo flowrapper is providing Scottish bakers Irving’s Homestyle Bakery with extra capacity to meet rising demand, while allowing the family run firm to take a more flexible approach to production staffing.
The new PFM Pearl machine is employed on a wide range of specialised biscuits and tray bakes produced by Irving’s at its Castle Douglas plant, mostly under its own name but also some own brand for local retailers.
As a result, points out managing director Keith Irving, production can involve fairly short runs of different size items.
“In a day the machine could need to be set up five or six times to handle different products which is where the servo drive comes in. Ease of set-up saves labour costs and allows us flexibility with production staff, who might be unable to set-up a mechanical machine.
“Most of the work is done for them by the servo drive system, with each product stored in memory for recall through the touch screen. Also the machine gives reliably consistent quality, minimising any need for on-the-run adjustment.”
The Pearl was developed by PFM to provide smaller or start-up operations with all the efficiency advantages of multi-axis servo drive, but at an entry level cost. As a result, the machine has become a natural partner or successor to older mechanical machines, providing higher speeds, much lower maintenance costs and quick changeover.