Ekro
“The collaboration with IB Food-Machines is perfect thanks to their excellent coordination. They stand out because they do what they say. A deal is a deal, and they follow through precisely. I am very satisfied with the current machines, and they also offer us maintenance contracts.”
Martin Koelen, Manager Operations @ Ekro/VanDrie Group
What is Ekro looking for?
The production department at Ekro requests new saws. This request lands on the desk of Martin Koelen, the operations manager of the VanDrie Group (of which Ekro is a part of). He oversees, among other things, safety during production. Employee safety is the top priority, followed by food safety, and only then production speed. These are key requirements for new machines, including the saws. The request and these conditions are forwarded to the project office of the food producer.
At the project office, they know that several other divisions of the VanDrie Group are already using saws equipped with the BladeStop system. Among others, the deboning department already relies on them. These saws feature a dual detection system: if they come into contact with bare skin or if a gloved hand gets too close, the saw stops within milliseconds. Martin Koelen is enthusiastic because safety is assured: “After contact with the saw, a bandage is sufficient, instead of losing your fingers.”
But which supplier can provide Ekro with the right Kolbe and Thompson saws equipped with the BladeStop system? The answer turns out to be IB Food-Machines. Raymond Idink, Ekro’s project leader, explains: “IB Food-Machines was the only one with a saw that met our safety requirements.”
Which solution does IB Food-Machines offer?
A safe saw is one thing, but the machines also need to fit seamlessly into the existing production environment. In Ekro’s case, customization is required. IB Food-Machines can provide this, which, according to Koelen, contributes to the final decision to choose this supplier. To give an idea: during a shift, the four saws are in constant use. As a result, a deliberate decision was made to purchase eight units, allowing the evening shift machines to be cleaned during the morning shift, and vice versa. Ideally, this cleaning happens in the same hall rather than at another location, saving significant time. Koelen compares this setup to a Formula 1 pit stop.
To make the above in-line scenario possible, adjustments were necessary. Idink explains: “The new setup was fully designed in 3D. Based on this, IB Food-Machines adjusted the saw frames so they could be easily integrated into the production line.” The conveyor systems and personnel positions also needed modifications. The fact that IB Food-Machines actively collaborates and thinks along with Ekro inspires confidence: a supplier that is much more than just a box mover.
How is the collaboration working out?
In addition to contributing ideas for the new setup and supplying the saws, IB Food-Machines also provides staff education and training. To work with BladeStop saws, employees must first complete the safety procedure; otherwise, the machine will not operate. According to Idink, this requires an adjustment, especially for those who have been in the trade for 30 years. They suddenly have to adapt to a new way of working. New employees also need to be thoroughly guided through this procedure, which aligns perfectly with the VanDrie Group’s safety-first principle.
Ekro can also rely on a maintenance and service contract. Twice a year, each machine undergoes a full inspection and optimization. Brake pads and clamps are replaced by IB Food-Machines, while operators can easily replace a saw blade themselves. Any malfunctions are resolved as quickly as possible, thanks to the availability of spare parts and the ability of Ekro’s in-house technical team to handle first-line repairs. Need extra help? An IB Food-Machines service technician is always ready to assist.
As for safety first and speed second: Ekro did not have to choose between the two. Because operators feel more at ease with the safe saw, they are also willing to work faster. Production increases while safety remains guaranteed. Now that’s a win-win situation!
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