_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fold Hill Foods
This move will also aid the company’ s adoption and integration of smart factory technologies. Ben outlines Fold Hill’ s approach:“ This year, we will continue to add elements which increase automation. In June, for example, we will be installing an automatic case filler. We’ ll also be putting robot stacking in place. The plan is to then automate other areas of the factory moving forward.”
This will not only increase operational efficiency but also help the business overcome some labor challenges, as Ben outlines:“ It’ s a problem that’ s exacerbated for us. Being in such a rural location, it’ s hard to attract people to the company in the first place. Increasing automation across all of our operations will help ease this pressure. It will also help us better look after our employees, and this is important to us. We have become a Real Living Wage employer and
have recently instituted a bonus scheme. Because we are a family-owned business, looking after our employees is a priority.”
Concluding, Ben looks to the future,
outlining the company’ s ambitions going forward:“ This year, we will be putting structures in place which will support the business over the coming years as it continues to grow. We will also be further consolidating Brambles into our portfolio of brands. The factory transfer is also a big priority; the investment in the new equipment alone will be worth £ 9 million.
“ Further afield, we will continue building on our core strengths, developing our brands into new markets and geographies. In five years’ time, I could certainly see us expanding into Europe.” ■
foldhill. co. uk
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