Background:
Porcher Abrasive Coatings are acknowledged as experts in abrasive coatings and the leading manufacturer of temperature cured abrasive linings for potato and vegetable peeling equipment. They work closely with original equipment manufacturers and food manufacturers and catering businesses to develop coating for individual needs.
Their products and services to the food industry include the manufacture, re-gritting, and straightening of rollers and drums. Also, sales of peeling and chipping equipment, manufacture of anti-slip floor treads, specialist tapes and coatings for healthcare products.
Some of the machinery manufacturers that Porcher Abrasive Coatings re-coat parts on are:
The rollers and drums they manufacture, coat, and recoat include these examples:
The Opportunity:
Demand for manufacture and repair of abrasive rollers for vegetable peeling is increasing and has peaks during seasonal plant shutdowns. The lathe represented a bottle neck and a single point of fail for both the repair and manufacturing business.
This constraint limited both the capacity of the processes and the business confidence to sell these services.
The Solution:
With support from the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics, a used Dean, Smith & Grace Lathe with an 11ft 6″ gap between the centres and a 17″ swing was sourced.
The Outcome:
With this unit now installed and commissioned the bottle neck is removed and rollers can be repaired in good time for re-coating. This has given the business confidence to target UK and European growth with the potential for growth in the team as well as revenue.
Further activities with the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics:
The teams at Porcher Abrasive Coatings and the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics continue to work on opportunities. This has included thermal imaging of ovens to verify insulation and door seal integrity.
Edward Porcher (Managing Director) said:
“Working with this programme has been very smooth, easy, and not overly time consuming. The consultants have supported our Capital Grant application throughout and once submitted the decision-making process was very quick and efficient.”
For more information about the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics and to check eligibility for your business please contact dthorpe@lincoln.ac.uk