The new drive controls the speed of a depositing line, which is a conveyor-based system that divides the dough into the correct weights to make various rolls and loaves.

The Wrexham bakery began production at the site 18 months ago with a single depositor, but the new drive has enabled it to optimise operations with the addition of a second depositing line based on a reconditioned machine.

The first saving was a 10% reduction in tin greasing agent. "The old drive was so slow and inaccurate that the machine had to start spraying the greasing agent before it 'saw' each tin," says Christien Jones, director and projects engineer.

The drive can also optimise the speed of the conveyor to match the size and throughput of different products more accurately. In this case the unit is programmed with four different speeds, leading to savings of around 25% in the running costs.

Finally, having a second depositing line has reduced downtime at the bakery.

Contact: ABB

Tel: 01925 741 111