 |
|
||||
 |
|||||
Welcome! ... Bienvenue! ... Willkommen! ... Welcom! ... Benvenuto! ... Bienvenido! |
|||||
   |
|||||
|
|||||
|
Loma has launched a new operating division specialising in the development and advancement of temperature measurement and monitoring systems used in QC and food-safety procedures. Utilizing the very latest technology, Loma Scientific will undertake a far-reaching research programme in order to cultivate leading-edge technologies, such as the recently launched Celsius temperature-sensing device (see below).
|
 |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
By extending its European headquarters in Helmond, Holland, Loma has further enhanced its service provision to customers in continental Europe. What’s more, by opening a manufacturing facility for metal detectors and establishing the continental European telemarketing team on site, Loma has cut lead times, simplified order progress tracking and enabled the company’s Farnborough operation to increase its production capacity for x-ray systems. |
 Loma Systems, Helmond |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Loma Scientific has launched its inaugural system for QC and food-safety procedures. Developed in conjunction with Northern Foods and the University of Glasgow, the Celsius temperature-sensing device uses non-contact microwave thermometry to monitor chilled-food packs. Testing the average temperature of the product to within ±0.20C, the Celsius enables customers to recoup capital outlay quickly as food packs remain entirely saleable after testing. |
 Loma Celsius |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Featuring cutting-edge technology at exceptional value for money, Loma’s latest X-ray system boasts twice the resolution of many its competitors, at a fraction of the price. The new Xe not only represents the best deal around, it also sports some of the latest detection technologies that can highlight product defects, missing items and under-filled packs, as well as spot minute contaminants, even in products surrounded by metal foil. |
 The Xe represents the best value for money in a number of manufacturing sectors |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Loma’s market research has revealed around 5% of food-processing companies fail to install metal detectors on their production lines, risking not only product contamination, but also their reputation. The remarkable findings also show a significant number of companies have implemented inadequate metal-detection cover and over 25% are failing to utilize their machines to their full advantage. |
 Metal detectors should be an integral part of food processors’ due diligence system |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Belgian potato processor NV Eurofreez recently launched two new production lines to cater for its mashed and specialist products. Crucially, both lines were fitted with combined metal detector and checkweighing systems supplied by Loma, which, according to the family run business, enables greater weight management and security, as well as conventional cost-cutting benefits. |
 The AS Combo is tailor-made to deliver speed and accuracy |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
By specifying Loma’s integrated AS Combo checkweigher and metal detector, Forchy Pâtisserie, based in the Le Havre region of France, has improved both the inspection quality and efficiency of its production lines. More importantly, the compact units have improved production times, facilitated automatic data-storage and significantly reduced set-up times. |
 The machines inspect up to 1,800 packaged units per minute |
||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Following an exciting start to the year, Loma’s global exhibition trail continues in the UK, the USA, China and Germany. Click on the links below for more details on each event:
March 20 - 23 Snaxpo, Philidelphia, Pa, USA - Snack Food |
|||||
The articles in full |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Since the original research and development work on the adaptation of microwave thermometry for the food industry began in 1995, Northern Foods has been working with Loma Scientific and the University of Glasgow to test the new Celsius production model on a range of chilled foods including ready meals, pizzas, pies, cakes and sandwiches. This extended development process has resulted in the launch of an advanced, user-friendly temperature measurement system set to bring new levels of accuracy and significant cost-savings to the food industry.
|
|||||
|
Commenting on the new Celsius, Group Technical Manager of Northern Foods Richard Seaby said, “As an organisation, we were concerned about the amount of products we were throwing away after temperature testing. Our 30 sites across the UK produce hundreds of chilled product lines, so we were spending over £1 million each year on thermocouple probes. Our initial work with the University of Glasgow convinced us that microwave thermometry technology would provide the solution, so we chose Loma to develop a system for the marketplace. The new Celsius has brought new levels of accuracy to our testing procedures and has now been adopted across nine of our operations where losses were greatest.”
The new unique temperature-sensing device is designed to accurately sense the temperature of chilled food packs through the use of microwave thermometry. Microwave thermometry revolutionises the temperature testing of chilled food due to its non-contact and non-destructive nature that eliminates the need for intrusive probes causing product wastage. Results are recorded electronically and the user-friendly control panel incorporates an easy read display. |
 Loma Celsius |
||||
|
Roy Salvidge, Sales Manager at Loma Scientific said, “Alternative technologies have significant margins for error which could result in serious food safety issues. For example probes are only accurate to plus or minus half a degree Centigrade and only record temperature at the tip. We have developed Celsius to improve accuracy and food safety levels by testing the average temperature of the product. It gives readings within five seconds and is accurate to within plus or minus 0.2 of a degree Centigrade. Customers can also recoup capital outlay within months as the packs are still fully saleable after testing unlike with other methods.”
As well as improving the quality control process, the new system can also lead to overall energy efficiencies in the production environment. With strict temperature monitoring capabilities, production managers can guarantee that product is at the correct temperature and can keep chillers at the most energy-efficient levels, without unnecessary wastage. More information contact the Sales Manager, Roy Salvidge at Loma Scientific on Tel: 01252 893416 or Fax: 01252 513322. |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Loma Systems has introduced a state-of-the-art X-ray machine that defies convention by offering extraordinary levels of performance at an entry-level price. The Xe system combines the latest technologies with a robust modular design that enables it to deliver market-leading performance and unrivalled contaminant and product-defect detection.
The new, economical X-ray machine is able to establish a new standard of cost-effective end-of-line inspections by relying on the same technology used in Loma’s acclaimed X³ range. As a consequence, proven image processing and high-speed computational capabilities have been seamlessly combined with a newly designed frame and conveyor system to create a versatile, yet practical unit. |
|||||
|
For instance, the Xe is capable of mass measurements either by zone or by pack and can achieve shape/pattern recognition by utilising Loma’s neural network. Further engineering innovations secure soft X-ray energies that produce crystal-clear images at high speeds. Indeed, the Xe features adaptive 9-bit technology that delivers double the resolution achievable by competing systems.
This unique package, which also includes a user-friendly Windows operating environment and a modem connection for rapid on-line diagnostics, combines the very latest technical innovations with an affordable price tag. As a result, the Xe will appeal to those who have considered investing in an X-ray system, but have been restricted by limited funds, as Alan Johnson, X-ray product manager at Loma, pointed out. |
 The Xe represents the best value for money in a number of manufacturing sectors |
||||
|
“The Xe is an attainable, state-of-the-art X-ray machine that delivers extraordinary levels of performance. It is the first mainstream system to break into the budget market with proven detection technologies that provide an affordable route to effective end-of-line inspection. For that reason, the Xe represents the best value for money in a number of manufacturing sectors, including frozen, chilled and dairy food-processing, and the snacks and confectionery markets.”
Until now, achieving high standards of end-of-line inspection within a tight budget has been a tall order. The new Xe system from Loma breaks this unwritten rule by combining performance and practicality with generous helping of affordability. |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Despite the concerns of UK consumers about food safety, around 5% of food processing companies do not have metal detectors on their production lines and are prepared to risk contaminants - and their reputation.
Tony Symes, Product Manager for Metal Detection at Loma Systems explains, “Although we are extremely conscious of the quality of our food, there is actually no mandatory legislative requirement for food processors to install metal detecting equipment on their lines. Most companies make the investment as part of their due diligence procedures, but we have been staggered to find that around 5% of food companies are prepared to risk a major food scare.” |
|||||
|
The reasons for this are hard to pinpoint, but the companies in question tend to be either large food groups who have made recent acquisitions of small businesses or the extremely small producers.
“Whilst some of these companies will no doubt have plans to install metal detection, others are happy to just ‘get away with it’,” continues Tony. “This could be because a metal detector is not considered an essential production tool in terms of the manufacture of the product. There are also some misconceptions that metal detectors are extremely expensive, although depending on the application, a conveyor model can be as little as £6,000 to £8,000. Another reason for shying away from the decision could be the fact that food factories often have a high turnover of unskilled workers who would need to be trained to use the metal detector in order to keep the production line flowing and the unit working at consistent sensitivity.” |
 Metal detectors should be an integral part of food processors’ due diligence system |
||||
|
Metal detectors should be an integral part of food processors’ due diligence system, policed overall by HACCP procedures. They are extremely easy to set up, easy to maintain and available in formats to suit a wide range of products and processes. Yet even those companies who have made some investment in the technology need to revisit its effectiveness: Loma market intelligence has revealed that up to 10% have inadequate numbers of machines and 25%+ are not using what they have to full advantage. Loma’s IQ² range incorporates a FreeFall model for granular and powdered products, a PipeLine system for pumped products and conveyor systems for packaged and unpackaged product located on the end of the line. A comprehensive ‘guide to metal detection’ is also available on www.loma.com
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
The common, dependable potato is an undeniable favourite. It can be bought as a ready-to-eat snack or neatly chopped, mashed and frozen for our convenience. Its adaptability and versatility is such that to consider sausages without mash or fish without chips is simply impossible. This view is echoed across most of Western Europe. In Belgium, for instance, fries are a national dish and entire industries have blossomed as a result. NV Eurofreez, for example, exports its potato products to 35 countries, and has an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
The successful, family run business has the distinction of being the first and only food processor in Belgium to establish a French Fry factory with the ISO 9002 certification. That said, the company hasn’t rested on its laurels and recently launched two new production lines for its mashed and specialist potato products. Both lines were fitted with combined metal detector and checkweighing devices supplied by Loma Systems, as Philippe Debruyne, plant manager at Eurofreez, points out. “End-of-line inspection is very important to us because it reduces the risk of contamination and helps us achieve accurate weighing, which can save money. Loma’s AS Combo checkweigher and metal detector provides us with an added bonus as it has a very small foot print, which is incredibly important when you’re introducing dedicated lines.” |
|||||
|
Featuring Loma’s acclaimed IQ² metal detector and its AS series checkweigher, the space-saving AS Combo incorporates a high-powered, variable AC motor on its conveyor system that is tailor-made to deliver speed and accuracy. Capable of handling packaged products up to 5Kg with a market leading accuracy class of e=0.5g and x=0.5g (OIML R51), the AS Combo can inspect at speeds of 400ppm, while providing sensitive and accurate metal detection.
For Eurofreez, the AS Combo’s accuracy and versatility delivers peace of mind as well as conventional cost-cutting benefits. “It’s security for us,” Philippe says. “We get less complaints from our customers and greater control over our weight management.” He goes on to explain that apart from reducing the risk of contamination, Eurofreez uses the AS Combo to control its multi-head checkweighers, which fill bags and cartons with frozen potato products. If the AS Combos record a surplus weight, adjustments are made to the multi-head machines thereby reducing wastage. Philippe says the new system has resulted in significant cost savings. |
 The AS Combo is tailor-made to deliver speed and accuracy |
||||
|
“Because Loma’s equipment allows us to control our product weights more effectively, we can save more money.” And since Loma’s AS Combo system is constructed from stainless steal and meets IP66 and NEMA 4x standards, Philippe says it’s not only accurate; it’s also extremely reliable.
“We’ve had experiences with other machines that required servicing every six months or so. That’s not the case with the AS Combo. It’s what you’d expect from Loma it’s a good machine that works well and requires very little maintenance.” |
|||||
|
By specifying one of the most advanced end-of-line inspection units on the market, Eurofreez has not only cut its maintenance requirements, it’s also chipped away at its production costs and put an end to contaminant concerns.
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
By specifying Loma’s latest integrated AS Combo checkweigher and metal detector, Forchy Pâtisserie has improved both the inspection quality and efficiency of its production lines.
The French are renowned for producing fine wines, creamy cheeses and tempting cakes. This enviable reputation has meant French food manufacturers have enjoyed a strong export market based on the country’s internationally celebrated produce. One company perpetuating this tradition is Forchy Pâtisserie, bakers of fruit, sponge and chocolate cakes and delicious desserts. Based in Yvetot near Le Havre, Forchy Pâtisserie manufactures cakes and speciality produce for large supermarkets in France and oulets in Belgium, Italy and Greece. Maintaining stringent quality standards is of paramount importance to safeguarding Forchy’s market position, so the company recently invested two state-of-the-art combination inspection units from Loma Systems. |
|||||
|
The new machines, which incorporate a Loma IQ² metal detector and Loma AS series checkweigher, supersede the baker’s previous system, which relied upon manual product-weight checks and a conventional metal detector system. As Yves Forchy, production manager at Forchy Pâtisserie, explains, the impact of the new all-in-one system was apparent from the outset.
“Since the installation of the new equipment we’ve been able to manage the weights and metal objects on our production lines more effectively,” he says. “The Loma machines have helped us improve the quality of production by enabling us to revise some of our existing processes and decrease the number of weight discrepancies.” |
 The machines inspect up to 1,800 packaged units per minute |
||||
|
The company acquired two Loma AS 1500 Combos last year and installed them at the end of the company’s production lines. The machines inspect up to 1,800 packaged units per minute using sophisticated checkweighing equipment that can achieve accuracy levels of °æ0.5gm (°æ0.017oz). In addition, the unit’s highly advanced metal-detection system provides sensitivity and versatility - memorising up to 100 different product characteristics.
The two machines operate on four production lines, which Yves says has helped the company gain some much-needed floor space. “We went for Loma’s combination metal detector and checkweigher because it’s easy to use. It enables us to organise our work more effectively since there is less setting-up time and it frees up more floor space.” |
|||||
|
The machines are moved between production lines as the work flow dictates, which has had a knock-on effect for the whole production process. “The systems are very accurate,” Yves says, “so they’ve raised the team’s awareness of better weight management. We revised processes earlier in production to make sure all weights checked by the Loma machines are correct. For instance, we looked at the ingredients in each preparation and adapted them to obtain the correct weight in the final product.”
Inspecting finished products that vary between 275g and 400g in weight, Loma’s AS Combos form an important safety net that safeguards the French manufacturer against the threat of contaminants and the crippling costs of inaccurate product weights. At Forchy Pâtisserie, the machines also reduce the company’s administrative burdens by linking to Loma’s PC-based software package LomaNet 3, which collates reports from the machines and archives them on a central computer. The ingenious system can store a multitude of reports gathered from up to 31 devices on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis, which has meant the family run business has been able to streamline its administrative functions. Yves says: “The benefits of LomaNet include faster production times, automatic data-storage capabilities and the fact that no paper is needed.” By adopting a progressive quality control strategy, Forchy Pâtisserie has refined its production practices and secured even greater levels of efficiency. As Yves points out, the introduction of Loma’s AS Combo units have been key to obtaining these improvements. “Since using the Loma machines, Forchy Patisserie has gained time at the end of the production line, but more importantly, we’ve also improved the quality of our production.” |
|||||
Feedback and enquiries If you no longer wish to receive Loma News, please email us on lomanews@loma.com For further information on Loma's range of products and services, visit www.loma.com |
|||||
