Product line expansions, facility consolidations and the constant need to reduce operating costs are finally prompting more bakers and snack manufacturers to make long-delayed capital expenditures, especially in the area of crucial equipment like ovens, proofers and fryers.
“The baker today is looking for new dependable, state-of-the-art equipment,” says Jim Diver, director of sales, Dunbar Systems Inc., Lemont, IL. “They are looking at what can be done to reduce breakdowns on the line, reduce their labor costs, increase throughput and enjoy the benefits of today’s technology and production reporting systems.” He adds that some manufacturers are also buying bigger, more-productive lines as they close smaller, less-productive plants and consolidate them into large-capacity facilities.