Loma Supplies IP69K Certified Inspection Equipment

When the average lead time for new production equipment is often 2-3 months, food manufacturers may be worried that it’s too late to ramp-up their processing and packing operation ready for the Christmas rush. Not so for Loma customers! Responding to customer requests for quick delivery leading up to the promotional season, Loma is now able to supply IP69K certified inspection equipment, including metal detectors, x-rays, check weighers and replacement detector heads, within days, not months, following the launch of its new QuickShip™ programme.

Following in-depth analysis of their customer’s order history, Loma now stocks systems capable of handling more than 80% of application enquiries that it receives from any sub-division of the food sector. One recent happy customer was certified BRC Grade A confectionery co-packer, IPS Contracting LLP based in West Yorkshire, which can handle up-to 80 products at any one time and packs in excess of 35,000 tonnes of snacks, sweets and chocolates into cartons, bags and flow wraps per year. “Loma is our inspection equipment supplier of choice,” states IPS Contracting LLP Technical Director Steve Kay. “The very nature of co-packing makes it hard to anticipate production increases – when we receive a significant new packing contract, we often have to expedite our capacity capability and the only way we can achieve this is by working with reliable equipment suppliers. As an existing and satisfied customer of Loma inspection equipment, we were further delighted to learn of their new QuickShip™ programme which guarantees fast delivery of food-grade certified systems. We’ve just taken delivery of two stainless steel high speed checkweighers within 21 days of placing the order; it’s not uncommon to wait up-to 8 weeks for premium food-grade inspection equipment which meets the demanding hygiene protocols we adhere to. Working with suppliers which can quickly react to our needs is paramount for a co-packer and why, as an industry-leading manufacturer of inspection equipment, Loma is our supplier of choice,” commented Steve.

“At this time of year, when producers and packers need extra capacity to fulfil increased demand due to the promotional season, we receive an influx of enquiries for metal detectors and x-ray systems from manufacturers wanting immediate delivery,” states Loma Sales Manager Tony Bryant. “To achieve a tight turnaround, we now carry stock of our most popular products guaranteeing detector head delivery within three days, metal detectors within 14 day, Combination units and X-ray systems within three weeks.”

“I don’t know of any other inspection equipment manufacturer that can offer the same lead times on premium IP69K certified systems, as it’s uncommon for OEMs to build systems into stock due to the capital risks. Prior to this programme, if a customer wanted a system straight away their only option would be to buy second hand,” explains Tony. “Rapid delivery response time is an increasing trend, with food producers experiencing volume peaks not only around Christmas, but also on receipt of a retailer contract. Of the large variety of models we’ve chosen to stock, many meet Retailer Codes of Practice, helping our customers establish a robust food safety process from the outset.”

“Loma’s QuickShip™ Programme guarantees premium inspection equipment fast – as the go-to equipment manufacturer which can supply systems meeting Retailer Codes of Practice within days not months, it enables our customers to take quick decisions as their business grows and develops,” commented Marketing Manager James Chrismas.