INTERVIEW – Stuart Loudon: Project Manager at Thomas Tunnock Limited

I imagine that efficiency and quality of the packaging are the most important things you’re looking for in the machines. What could you say about the Sapal Machines?

I think that for the efficiency and the quality of the packaging, for the product that we are trying to run the Sapal BNK and the DPN 7 machines that we have are the perfect machines for the job. Over the years, we’ve tried different types of machinery, but we stick with Sapal, because Sapal are the best in the business for this type of machine, this is why we have always kept our relationship with Sapal.

The wrapping of the tea-cake on the BNK has to be done at a slower speed than the DPN7 because the chocolate is so delicate. With the BNK, all works very very smoothly and efficiently, due to the good quality of the Sapal Machine.

What do you think about the way the Sapal machine are operated and maintained?

The Sapal machines are really easy to operate, there’s nothing too complicated about how the buttons are. In the DPN7, we have the HMI, a screen which is very clear, simple and easy to use. Which is also good because it means that there no complex training that needs to get done by our operators. We can take a short time to train them how to operate the machine, how to put things apart and clean them, how to stop running at the end of the shift. For both machines, it’s again very similar. For example, on the DPN7, all you have to remove is the folding box and this can be cleaned very simply. The accessibility is very good. The doors are all locked when the machine is operating, which means they are very safe. Same for the BNK.

Why did you decided to refurbish your machines?

We find that, because we keep our machines well maintained, that they now run for longer and better. I think that if you look after the machine, the machine will look after you.

After how many years did you decided to refurbish your machines…they are still here, are you still happy with them? Do they work as well the first day as 50 years ago?

As soon as I become Project Manager it was a priority for me. At the beginning, Boyd was not so sure about this, but now that he has seen the benefits of it, he is happy with the result. When the DPN 7 came back after being refurbished, they worked straight away, as if they were brand new! We also refurbished three BNK and it took some time to settle in. Now the machines are perfect and are running very well.

What does Sapal do for you that make you be happy with them?

I would say that Sapal is a very good company to work with. And it’s better now that Sapal is back on her own. I deal directly with them, I’ve been to the factory as well, which I think is good. The maintenance staff, the sales and the services guys and the people in the office now know me and I think it’s really important to have a good relationship.