7 Key Moments from Anuga FoodTec 2024: Where AI Vision Tech and Robotic Automation Took Centre Stage!
Last week, our team embarked on an exciting journey to Cologne, Germany, where we showcased our cutting-edge AI vision technology and robotic automation at the one and only Anuga FoodTec Exhibition.
Last month, our team travelled to Cologne, Germany, where we showcased our cutting-edge AI vision technology and robotic automation at the one and only Anuga FoodTec Exhibition.
Here are the top 7 moments that put OAL on the centre stage.
1. Robots Ruled the Roost!
Our robotic weighing system and cooking system stole the show with its mesmerising precision and efficiency when weighing raw materials. Manufacturers were relieved to find a solution to overcome their ongoing labour availability challenges.
2. AI Vision Tech Magic!
Say goodbye to human error and hello to precision perfection! Our AI vision technology wowed the crowds with its ability to analyse products from component recognition to date code verification and even checks for allergen information.
3. Busiest stand award 2024!
Anuga FoodTec was the ultimate playground for innovation, and we were proud to be at the forefront of the action. We even won the award for most popular stand, with over 500 registrations recorded, that’s a lot of demos.
4. Interactive Experiences!
Who says tech exhibitions have to be boring? Gone are the days of highly choreographed software demos. Visitors got to choose the inspection and we showed them how to train the AI and make the check in less than 5 minutes! The result? Smiles, laughter, and a newfound appreciation for the magic of OAL’s APRIL Eye.
5. Tech Talks Galore!
Knowledge is power, and we were thrilled to share our expertise with eager attendees. From demystifying AI to exploring the future of robotic automation with weighing and cooking, we left no stone unturned in our quest to educate and inspire.
6. Industry Insights!
Anuga FoodTec wasn't just about showcasing the latest technology—it was also a hub of industry insights and trends. From the rise in codes of conduct to the growing demand for sustainable food tech solutions, we gained invaluable knowledge that will shape the future of our industry.
7. Networking Nirvana!
Anuga FoodTec brought together the best and brightest minds in the food tech world, providing the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and forge new partnerships.
Our time at Anuga FoodTec Exhibition was inspiring. It was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the boundless possibilities of AI, automation and robotics, with OAL positioned as a strong leader in game-changing solutions in food manufacturing.
OAL appoints Jake Norman as Managing Director
OAL, a market leader in automation, robotics and digital transformation solutions for the food manufacturing sector, has appointed Jake Norman as its new Managing Director. Founder, Harry Norman will remain on the board.
Jake Norman has over a decade of experience in automation and a proven track record of developing long-term customer relationships. He joined the board two years ago as Sales Director, taking P&L responsibility for the business and winning a number of new customers. Notably, he has recently secured a £2 million part-government funded Carbon Trust project to deploy the company’s robotic chef with Marks & Spencer and Solina.
“I’m proud to lead the family business into a new era as we navigate the fantastic opportunities automation and robotics present to our customers,” comments Jake Norman, Managing Director, OAL. “We’re inspired by Harry’s visionary approach to automation, he’s built an exceptional engineering team that help our customers succeed and I’m looking forward to building on this foundation.”
OAL was founded in 1993 by Harry Norman and quickly developed a strong reputation for pioneering the latest technology to solve the challenges faced by the food industry. From integrated MES/SCADA factory control systems to AI cameras verifying product packaging and date coding and robotic weighing system, OAL has become the partner of choice for food manufacturers on a digital transformation journey.
Harry Norman, Founder, OAL added, “Jake’s passion for technology and his understanding of the food manufacturing sector make him the ideal leader for OAL as we look towards an exciting future. I am proud to see him take on this role and have every confidence in his ability to steer OAL to new heights.”
Visit OAL at Hall 10.1, Stand F-069 at Anuga Foodtec Cologne, Germany, 19-22 March 2024 to learn more.
OAL Announce Seamless Integration with NiceLabel
OAL has launched a full integration with NiceLabel, enhancing their label and date code verification system, OAL Connected. This move aids food manufacturers in automating labeling and ensuring compliance. For businesses using Dataguard, OAL provides an easy transition. NiceLabel, a renowned name in label design, guarantees quality and industry-standard compliance. The partnership promises streamlined workflows, increased efficiency, and precise label verification. OAL's award-winning support backs this integrated solution.
OAL is excited to announce the release of a full and seamless integration to NiceLabel as part of our label and date code verification system, OAL Connected.
“At OAL we understand the pressures that food manufacturers are under to meet the label requirements of their retailers. We believe that this integration will not only support them in automating labelling and verification but will provide a much better user experience for our customers,” commented Jake Norman, Sales Director, OAL.
For businesses currently using the end-of-life Dataguard label printing software, OAL and Nicelabel offer a proven switching path. Join other fresh produce businesses including Wealmoor and Worldwide Fruit who have already benefited from switching to OAL for a robust label printing solution.
Read more about how Wealmoor switched from Dataguard to OAL here.
Why NiceLabel?
For those unfamiliar, NiceLabel is one of the most respected names in the label design industry. The solution provides a comprehensive and powerful suite of tools to help manufacturers create, print and manage labels that are both high-quality and meet rigorous industry standards.
“Working with site teams, we’ve been able to significantly reduce the number of label design templates, simplifying their process. NiceLabel is easy to use and provides compliance with retailer codes of practice” shared Faye Louch, OAL Trainer.
How OAL integrate with NiceLabel?
We have integrated NiceLabel with the OAL system in the same way as other label design software such as Clarisoft and Markem Colos.
When an operator selects a job on the OAL system, the variable field data is pulled from the OAL Master Product Database and integrated into your template design created in NiceLabel. This then instructs and controls the printer, ensuring the right information is printed on the label. The integration works for both offline and online printing with the OAL system monitoring and alerting if printers enter fault status in accordance with retailer codes of practice.
The Value This Delivers for You
We believe this integrated solution provides significant value for those looking to migrate from Dataguard or anyone looking for a comprehensive and intuitive labelling solution. The benefits include:
A Unified Process: Users can design a label in NiceLabel, and then seamlessly verify its integrity and compliance using our verification system. This means a smoother workflow and reduced risk of error.
Enhanced Efficiency: The need for multiple systems or manual data entry is eliminated. When you design a label in NiceLabel, the details are automatically synchronised with the OAL master product database.
Greater Accuracy: With the automated synchronisation between the two platforms, you reduce the risk of oversight or data discrepancies; what you design is what you verify.
Find Out More and Get Started
If you're considering switching label design to NiceLabel, now is a great time! Integrating with OAL means you’re not just getting a great label design tool, you're also getting a comprehensive verification solution that ensures retailer code of practice compliance and our award-winning customer support team is there to support you 24/7, 365 days a year.
We would be more than happy to explain the solution further and answer any specific questions you may have. Simply reach out to the OAL team – contact us.
Navigate the Future of Fresh Produce at Fruit Focus 2023 with OAL
Join OAL at Fruit Focus. We are excited to share that Jake Norman, OAL's Sales Director, will be delivering a seminar from 9:00 to 9:20 am. His talk will tackle the challenge of automating and digitalising fresh produce production, sharing key learnings from a ground-breaking automation project with M&S and Solina Carbon Trust Project.
The esteemed Fruit Focus 2023 event returns to the UK's fruit industry stage on 12th July 2023. Hosted at NIAB, East Malling, Kent, England, the event will run from 09:00 to 17:00. Fruit Focus is your gateway to new advancements in fresh fruit sectors, wine-making, and viticulture.
Fruit Focus is recognised as the UK's leading technical event for the fruit industry. It is a valuable meeting point for industry professionals to update themselves on recent technological innovations and trends. The event creates an ideal environment for networking with colleagues and exchanging industry-specific insights.
We are excited to share that Jake Norman, OAL's Sales Director, will be delivering a seminar from 9:00 to 9:20 am. His talk will tackle the challenge of automating and digitalising fresh produce production, sharing key learnings from a ground-breaking automation project with M&S and Solina Carbon Trust Project.
This project, known as the Souper Green Project, represents a milestone in OAL's journey to revolutionise the food processing landscape. With the support of a £2 million grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) and the backing of Marks and Spencer PLC, the Souper Green project embodies the transformative power of sustainable automation.
Jake's presentation at Fruit Focus 2023 provides a unique opportunity to delve into these advancements, understand their potential impact on the fruit and wine sectors, and explore how innovation and digitalisation can lead to a more sustainable future.
Your participation at Fruit Focus 2023 is a step towards that future. Take advantage of the free pre-registration and access a wealth of benefits including the Fruit Forums, NIAB Research Tours, and the Growing Kent & Medway Innovation Showcase. There's a wealth of knowledge to be gained and connections to be made. We look forward to welcoming you for a day of growth and discovery at Fruit Focus 2023.
Partners & Sponsors:
Leading the Transformation: OAL Introduces Steam Infusion and APRIL™ Robotics to the Chemical Industry at Expoquimia 2023
OAL, in collaboration with our esteemed System Integrator partner, Raimaber, are proud to be exhibiting at Expoquimia 2023. Join us in Barcelona, Spain, from 30 May- 2 June, as we redefine the landscape of chemical manufacturing, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of the industry.
Date: 30 May - 2 June, 2023
Location: Gran Via, Hall 3, Level 0, Street D, Stand 119 - Barcelona, Spain
Website: expoquimia.com/en
OAL, in collaboration with our esteemed System Integrator partner, Raimaber, are proud to be exhibiting at Expoquimia 2023. Join us in Barcelona, Spain, from 30 May- 2 June, as we redefine the landscape of chemical manufacturing, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of the industry.
At OAL, we aim to revolutionise industrial processes through cutting-edge technologies. Our groundbreaking Steam Infusion technology has unlocked new possibilities within chemical manufacturing, offering unrivaled control and efficiency. Witness the transformative power of Steam Infusion as we showcase our state-of-the-art demo unit at Expoquimia.
Alongside our partner, Raimaber, renowned for their expertise in system integration, we are proud to introduce APRIL™ Robotics, the world's first robotic Weighing System, initially engineered for the food and beverage manufacturing industry. We are thrilled to share that APRIL™ Robotics is perfectly poised to support the chemical industry as well, with its adaptability and versatility. Marvel at the precision and efficiency of APRIL™ Robotics as it seamlessly integrates into your manufacturing processes, ensuring accurate and consistent weighing, minimising waste, and optimising productivity. Experience the potential for enhanced operational efficiency and discover how APRIL™ Robotics empowers your workforce to achieve new levels of accuracy and productivity.
At Expoquimia 2023, we invite you to visit our dedicated stand, where our partner will be showcasing the synergy of Steam Infusion and APRIL™ Robotics. Immerse yourself in our informative video display and witness how these innovations redefine processes, enhance productivity, and revolutionise the chemical industry. Engage in conversations with industry experts, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities as we collectively drive the transformation of the chemical sector.
See you at the event. Register for the event at the link bow.
Charting the Future of Fresh Produce: Join us at 'Festival of Fresh' 2023 event
As the UK faces a slew of challenges – a labour shortage, rising energy consumption, and the urgency of maintaining food manufacturing excellence, the Festival of Fresh 2023 arrives as a beacon of innovation and transformation. We're proud to announce that Jake Norman, Director at OAL, will be one of the esteemed speakers at this year’s event. Jake will be sharing valuable insights from our groundbreaking £2m Carbon Trust project, delve into the lessons learnt from this transformative project, and will be offering a fresh perspective on how businesses can conquer the challenges of rising labour and energy costs. He will also share success stories from automation deployments. Join us on June 21. Registrations are open now!
Jake's address
This summer, the UK's fresh produce industry is gearing up for an event that promises to be an invigorating celebration of British harvest and a forum for insightful discussions on emerging challenges. The Festival of Fresh 2023, organised by the Fresh Produce Journal (FPJ Live), is set to take place on the auspicious Midsummer’s Day, 21st June 2023, at Alconbury Weald, Cambridgeshire.
In the recent past, over 300 industry leaders and experts have flocked to this distinguished gathering, revelling in the spirit of innovation and camaraderie. This year, the event promises to be more insightful and engaging, given the current trials we face - labour shortages, energy price surge, and raw material costs.
OAL is proud to announce that Jake Norman, Director at OAL, will be one of the esteemed speakers at this year’s event. Known for his stance on the integration of technology in the fresh produce industry, Jake will be sharing valuable insights from our groundbreaking £2m Carbon Trust project.
The project, in collaboration with M&S and Solina, demonstrated the power of digitalisation and automation in the manufacturing sector. Achieving an astounding 80% reduction in energy consumption, this project stands as a testament to the potential of smart manufacturing.
Jake will not only be sharing insights from this transformative project, but he will also bring to light successful automation implementations in the fresh produce sector, highlighting some of our elite clients who achieved remarkable results with digitalisation. Participants can look forward to an engaging demonstration of the software and technologies that underpin the success of these advancements.
As we celebrate the best of British fresh produce at the Festival of Fresh, we also seek to equip ourselves to better address rising concerns in the UK industry. Jake Norman's insights into the power of digitalisation and automation aims to guide the audience with a way forward strategy- a path to overcome labour shortages, reduce energy consumption, and maintain high-quality produce more efficiently.
Join us at the Festival of Fresh 2023 as we explore the future of our industry, showcasing the potential of smart manufacturing to revolutionise the way we deliver food manufacturing excellence.
Registrations are open now!
Souper Green: Pioneering Robotics to Revolutionise Soup and Sauce Manufacturing in the UK
Olympus Automation Ltd. (OAL) is proud to announce the launch of its £2 million Souper Green project in partnership with Marks and Spencer PLC (M&S) and Solina. The project, supported by grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) programme, aims to transform the soup and sauce manufacturing industry by deploying an innovative APRIL™ Robotics Cooking Cell, which promises significant energy and carbon savings. The project's industrial demonstration will take place in Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Peterborough, United Kingdom - April 24, 2023 - Olympus Automation Ltd. (OAL) is proud to announce the launch of its £2 million Souper Green project in partnership with Solina and supported by Marks and Spencer PLC. The project, supported by grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) programme, aims to transform the soup and sauce manufacturing industry by deploying an innovative APRIL™ Robotics Cooking Cell, which promises significant energy and carbon savings. The project's industrial demonstration will take place in Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
The Souper Green project is part of the Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA) programme- Phase 4 project, funded under the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) and supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) IEEA through its Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. It seeks to fund industrial scale demonstrations of novel technologies that can reduce energy consumption, maximise resource efficiency, and cut carbon emissions. It is managed by the Carbon Trust with support from Jacobs and Innovate UK KTN.
APRIL™ Robotics Cooking Cell, a fully automated robotic food processing system, is designed to improve Clean in Place (CIP) processes and utilises OAL's Steam Infusion technology. By incorporating a lightweight cooking vessel, the system allows for more efficient heating operations and easier cleaning, leading to an impressive 80% energy savings from production trials. Additionally, the system's highly accurate robotic ingredient weighing system minimises ingredient waste.
The Souper Green project builds on OAL's 2015 "APRIL" program, which aimed to develop the world's first robotic-based food processing system. A pilot plant was successfully installed at the University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) at Holbeach. A development system (TRL7) is now operational at Go-Tan, a Dutch food manufacturer, producing 2.4 tonnes per hour (T/Hr) of chilli sauces.
The UK demonstrator will replicate the Go-Tan equipment with specific CIP enhancements, aiming to deliver a fully operational 2T/Hr production unit (TRL9).
Retailer M&S endorses the project as part of its Plan A commitment to support suppliers in reducing their carbon footprint and reaching net zero.
Solina, a food manufacturer and supplier to Marks and Spencer plc, plans to install OAL's robotic food processing system to significantly reduce energy consumption, enhance efficiency, and create a more sustainable production environment. For more information about the Souper Green project, please visit https://programmes.carbontrust.com/ieea.
In addition, OAL will be showcasing their automation systems at the Smart Manufacturing Showcase 2023 on Thursday 14 September at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing in Holbeach, United Kingdom. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for interested parties to learn more about OAL's innovations and the future of food manufacturing. For more information on the event registrations, follow us on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oalgroup
About the Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator (IEEA)
The IEEA is a four year programme funded through the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero’s (DESNZ) Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), a £1 billion fund announced in the UK Prime Minister’s ten point plan for a green industrial revolution, to accelerate the commercialisation of low carbon technologies, systems and business models in power, buildings, and industry. £8 million in funding have been made available to fund demonstration projects through Phases 3 and 4 to demonstrate 15 innovations.
More information on: carbontrust.com/ieea & https://www.carbontrust.com/news-and-insights/news/pioneering-energy-efficiency-tech-wins-government-grants
DESNZ IEEA: Proud Facilitators and Collaborators
OAL 3 Peaks Challenge 2023
We’re hiking the 3 Peaks in June to raise money and awareness for the charity StrongMen, a local mental health charity that has supported colleagues with challenges arising from bereavement.
We’re hiking the 3 Peaks to raise money and awareness for the charity StrongMen, a local mental health charity that has supported colleagues with challenges arising from bereavement.
In June, a team from OAL will be putting down the tools and stepping away from our keyboards to take on the 3 Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours!
The 3 peaks are made up of Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085).
We‘re starting on Saturday 23rd June with Ben Nevis, hopping in the van down to hike Scafell Pike, and finishing in the early hours of Sunday morning at the top of Snowdon.
Will it be a software, mechanical, design or electrical engineer to reach the top of Snowdon first?
We’re raising awareness and money for StrongMen, a great local charity that has helped us overcome the mental health challenges of bereavement.
If you would like to donate, you can here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oal-3peaks
SafeContractor accreditation 2022/23
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ve received SafeContractor accreditation for the seventhyear in a row, in recognition of our dedication to health and safety, for our own teams as well as how we work to protect our customers when on-site. When you work with OAL, you can be sure you’re in safe hands partnering with a responsible company.
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ve received SafeContractor accreditation for the seventh year in a row in recognition of our dedication to health and safety, for our own teams as well as how we work to protect our customers when on-site. When you work with OAL, you can be sure you’re in safe hands partnering with a responsible company.
Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third-party health and safety assessment scheme initiated by the UK government under Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSiP), promoting a minimum standard of health and safety assessments, which helps customers to identify which companies meet the UK’s rigorous health and safety requirements. The accreditation is a sign of professional and credible contractor business, and all listed businesses can be found by registered customers via the client web portal. For any customers who are not clients, further information can be found on the SafeContractor website.
Throughout the rigorous accreditation process we provide examples of all our health and safety paperwork, demonstrating that the way we work meets legal industry requirements. This includes risk assessments, method statements, COSHH assessments and working at height, to name just a few!
A SafeContractor certificate is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacturing (our specialty) due to the number of contracted services. The SafeContractor seal of approval guarantees that we’re doing all we can to adhere to the very highest standard of health and safety and legal compliance, providing you with peace of mind when our teams carry out work on your sites.
SafeContractor confirms that we’re as dedicated to H&S as you are. Get in touch today for your upcoming projects!
Net Zero Food Manufacturing 2022 Round Up
On 16th June 2022, we explored the routes to net zero food manufacturing at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (part of the University of Lincoln). A big thanks to our awesome customers, fascinating speakers and cutting-edge technology partners for making it a fascinating day!
On 16th June 2022, we explored the routes to net zero food manufacturing at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (part of the University of Lincoln). A big thanks to our awesome customers, fascinating speakers and cutting-edge technology partners for making it a fascinating day!
The scene was set with insights and perspectives from academia, energy and finance:
Ling Sin Fai Lam, Shore Capital, highlighted the growing requirements for businesses to validate their “green” credentials.
Grant Barr, EON, explained the changing energy environment as the “spark gap” is reduced and the major benefits of consuming energy outside busy periods.
Wayne Martindale, University of Lincoln, reviewed the food industry's progress in decarbonising and shared the latest research projects in the field.
Bring on the robots!
With the scene set, we were joined by two pioneering food businesses using OAL robotic systems in the processing area to cut energy and improve production efficiency, quality and safety. Followed by a demonstration where we manufactured a net zero soup using the APRIL Batch cooking system.
Bing Go, Go Tan, explained how they have moved from traditional steam jacketed cooking vessels to a fully automated APRIL robotic cooking system.
Benoit Wissoq, Agrana shared their approach to automating powder handling with APRIL Powder Weighing. Watch the video below.
OAL demonstrated the APRIL batch cooking system by cooking and cooling a “net zero” batch of pea and mint soup. Saving the planet never tasted so good!
Alan Oakley, KUKA Robotics talked about how they support OAL with R&D and support customers locally through their extensive network.
Solving the energy problem
As the old maxim goes, what gets monitored, get’s managed. Our ability to collect, the right data, contextualise and drive action is fundamental to improving the energy efficiency of food businesses. Both end user case studies explained the need to put people at the heart of automation programmes.
James Judge, Berry Gardens focused on the need for “story telling” and “de-geeking” as part of the digitalisation of their new packhouse. Watch the video below.
Matthew Beacham, Wealmoor explained the skills and approach to automate their packaging lines and save energy by preventing human error. Watch the video below.
Inductive Automation and Ethan Stone, OAL shared how we use the Ignition SCADA/MES platform to present shopfloor data to end users easily. Watch the video below.
Thomas Flude, Cognex, demonstrated new vision and artificial intelligence technology can be quickly deployed to cut food waste.
Energy reduction funding
In our final session, Mark Swainson, University of Lincoln and Jenni McDonnell MBE, KTN, highlighted the current funding opportunities for energy and carbon reduction projects.
It truly was a varied day and we’re very grateful to all those attendees who came and participated so enthusiastically - we enjoyed every minute!
If you missed the event and want to hear more, get in touch and we can arrange a meeting with our experts.
OAL customer support ticket portal
We’re pleased to announce a new feature for our support customers, the ticket portal. The new feature offers visibility and communication history for all tickets raised by your organisation.
We’re pleased to announce a new feature for our support customers, the ticket portal. The new feature offers visibility and communication history for all tickets raised by your organisation.
Customer Ticket Portal
To access the customer portal, please contact OAL and we’ll enable the portal for your account.
You’ll be sent an email to register using your work email address.
Once registered, click here to login to the ticket portal.
The portal provides the following functionality:
User account and login to OAL Customer portal.
Visibility and communication history for all tickets within your organisation.
Ability to raise a ticket.
If you need any assistance or have any feedback, ring +44 1733 394701 or email support@oalgroup.com
Harry Norman receives Lifetime Achievement Award
We’re delighted to announce that Harry Norman won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Food Processing Awards 2021 in Coventry for his contribution to the food industry as an inventor, entrepreneur and innovator. Here we share the story that led to this fantastic achievement.
We’re delighted to announce that Harry Norman won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Food Processing Awards 2021 in Coventry for his contribution to the food industry as an inventor, entrepreneur and innovator. Here we share the story that led to this fantastic achievement.
Harry’s background
Over the course of a career spanning over 30 years Harry has dedicated himself to innovation, determined to shake up the food industry and improve how our food is made. He was once quoted as saying, “If people say you can’t go through that door, then I get a chainsaw and make my own door.” It’s this relentlessness and drive for success that has characterised Harry’s career, guiding him towards continuous innovation to meet evolving customer needs.
While studying control engineering at Coventry University, Harry Norman fell in love with automation and robotics. Following just a few years in industry, the ever-entrepreneurial Harry was 28 when he decided to build OAL. A newly married father of two very young children, it was a bold decision to set up a business on his own, especially as the family’s main breadwinner. But it was a risk that soon paid off as the company was profitable from the very first year.
Innovating at OAL
Propelled by customer demand for automation, OAL soon became a one-stop shop for turn-key processing systems comprising design, automation and support. Developing strong relationships with some of the biggest names in the food industry, Harry has led the OAL team to complete hundreds of projects, delivering high quality results and outstanding support.
His vast experience in the food industry and free-thinking has helped him to spot trends and stay ahead of the curve, starting with the invention of Autocoding and the launch of the OAL Connected suite of software solutions, which has helped to transform packaging lines and increase food safety.
Spurred on by this success, and against the backdrop of an industry stretched by rising costs, Harry was convinced that food manufacturing needed to change. He knew OAL could lead the charge, taking the strategic decision to set up a dedicated innovation team. This pivot led to significant investment in new technologies to disrupt the industry, starting with the acquisition of the game-changing cooking technology, which was rebranded to become Steam Infusion, in 2013.
Not content with acquiring technology, his next conquest was in the field of robotics. His inventions under the APRIL Robotics brand, including a robotic chef and weighing system, have been described as the greatest processing innovation in the last twenty years by one of the largest FMCG companies in world.
Not just an inventor
But it’s not all work. His competitiveness in business is matched only by his competitiveness in his personal life. A keen cyclist and runner, he has completed a variety of challenges, from marathons to cycling races, with customers and to raise money for charity. He’s also a consummate storyteller, entertaining the OAL workforce and customers alike with his one-of-a-kind humour.
What’s next? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, congratulations Harry from the team at OAL!
SafeContractor accredited for the sixth year
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ve received SafeContractor accreditation for the sixth year in a row, in recognition of our dedication to health and safety, for our own teams as well as how we work to protect our customers when on-site. When you work with OAL, you can be sure you’re in safe hands partnering with a responsible company.
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ve received SafeContractor accreditation for the sixth year in a row in recognition of our dedication to health and safety, for our own teams as well as how we work to protect our customers when on-site. When you work with OAL, you can be sure you’re in safe hands partnering with a responsible company.
Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third-party health and safety assessment scheme initiated by the UK government under Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSiP), promoting a minimum standard of health and safety assessments, which helps customers to identify which companies meet the UK’s rigorous health and safety requirements. The accreditation is a sign of professional and credible contractor business, and all listed businesses can be found by registered customers via the client web portal. For any customers who are not clients, further information can be found on the SafeContractor website.
Throughout the rigorous accreditation process we provide examples of all our health and safety paperwork, demonstrating that the way we work meets legal industry requirements. This includes risk assessments, method statements, COSHH assessments and working at height, to name just a few!
A SafeContractor certificate is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacturing (our specialty) due to the number of contracted services. The SafeContractor seal of approval guarantees that we’re doing all we can to adhere to the very highest standard of health and safety and legal compliance, providing you with peace of mind when our teams carry out work on your sites.
SafeContractor confirms that we’re as dedicated to H&S as you are. Get in touch today for your upcoming projects!
Novel robotic applications for material handling & processing
We were delighted to team up with our robotics partner, KUKA, to host a webinar discussing novel robotic applications in material handling and processing. You can watch a sneak peek of the event here!
Robots can now automate more tasks than ever before. From weighing / scaling powders to batch processing, robotic systems deliver cost savings, productivity gains, health & safety improvements and much more. In this in-depth webinar, Jake Norman, Head of Sales at OAL, and Neil Mead, Area Sales Manager - South East at KUKA, explored the novel ways in which robots can now be used in industries as diverse as food production to plastic manufacturing. As labour costs rise and demand for customisation and flexibility grows, it’s becoming more important than ever for companies to consider automation to solve these challenges.
With solutions including the Robot Chef and automated powder handling, APRIL Robotics could be the answer to your productivity needs. Using tried and tested KUKA robots, we tailor our robotic solutions to boost your efficiency, reduce labour costs and protect your operators, while at the same time maintaining the flexibility you have come to expect from your existing operations.
You can also read about APRIL Robotics in our latest press appearance: Food Processing (UK) and bakeryandsnacks.com.
If you missed the webinar, get in touch with our experts today and we can take you through how robotics can transform your operations.
Want to find out more? Arrange a meeting today!
10 reasons to work at OAL
We’re always looking for passionate, talented individuals to join our fast-paced innovative company! When searching for a new role, you may ask yourself why would I want to work for them? To help you answer that question, we’ve asked our team and come up with 10 reasons to work at OAL!
We’re always looking for passionate, talented individuals to join our fast-paced innovative company! When searching for a new role, you may ask yourself why would I want to work for them? To help you answer that question, we’ve asked our team and come up with 10 reasons to work at OAL:
1) Diverse customers
“OAL has an incredibly diverse customer base. The opportunities to drive the food industry forward are fantastic. And because we work with customers all over the world, there are great opportunities to travel.”
2) Endless oppportunity
“You get a chance to develop new skills in many engineering disciplines. ”
3) Cutting-edge technology
“It is great to always be working with new technologies that nobody else has access to.”
4) Share great experiences
“Each day provides incredible opportunities to work with both colleagues and customers who are the best in their field.”
5) Management that care
“The MD is so motivated, it’s very contagious. It’s great to work with like-minded people.”
6) Challenging
“In my role, I get to face and solve new challenges every day.”
7) Food is life
“Knowing that we’re helping to improve the way we make food is incredibly rewarding.”
8) Flexible
“OAL has always been understanding and accommodating of my own circumstances and the hours that I can realistically work. They aren’t stuck in the old 9 to 5 age and had adopted working from home policies before COVID-19 made it the norm! ”
9) Teamwork
“At OAL, I get to interact with a very varied friendly group of colleagues. I learn something new from them every day.”
10) Valued
“The business makes me feel welcomed and valued and my manager is always on hand to advise and help.”
So, want to join the team? Visit our careers page to see our latest vacancies. If you’re not sure where you’d fit, feel free to send us your CV and let us know why you want to work with us: jobs@oalgroup.com
Equipment giveaway at OAL
Following our extensive digital transformation project that took place at the height of lockdown 1.0, we had quite a bit of equipment and furniture that were no longer in use. This presented us with a fantastic opportunity to give something back to help local businesses and families during this ongoing period of uncertainty.
Following our extensive digital transformation project that took place at the height of lockdown 1.0, we had quite a bit of equipment and furniture that were no longer in use thanks to our new pods and drive to go fully paperless. This presented us with a fantastic opportunity to give something back to help local businesses and families during this ongoing period of uncertainty.
As so many families are trying to cope with the challenges of homeschooling without the proper equipment, we were delighted to be able to donate 14 reconditioned laptops to a number of good causes, including Marshfields Secondary School in Dogsthorpe and the Stilton COVID-19 support network to help children access educational resources to support their learning during the pandemic. We really hope that this will help pupils stay connected with their peers and teachers and make the most of the new online teaching that has become the norm.
With interest from far and wide, we were also able to give away 28 desks, 30 sets of drawers, 11 cabinets and numerous whiteboards to support local businesses and give both home workers and students learning from home the tools to make this new reality just that little bit easier.
It was a great team effort from OAL, with everyone working together to help to arrange for these items to be collected safely. We’re delighted to play a small part in doing something positive in what has been a difficult period for everyone and we’ll continue to look for more ways to support our local community throughout 2021.
OAL featured on ITV News Anglia
OAL appeared on the local news on 20 November 2020, discussing the benefits that a new university in Peterborough will bring to our business and the region.
OAL appeared on the local news on 20 November 2020, discussing the benefits that a new university in Peterborough will bring to our business and the region and demonstrating our robotic weighing system!
On Friday 20 November 2020, Harry Norman was featured in a news report from ITV News Anglia focusing on the new Anglia Ruskin University ARU Peterborough campus. Harry shared his views on the great new pipeline of talent that the university will bring to the city and hopefully to our business as we continue to grow and offer our innovations to manufacturers around the world. You can also take a peek at our APRIL Robotics Ingredient Handling system in operation in the video!
ARU Peterborough will provide a practical solution to the problem of low employment and skill levels across Peterborough, helping to increase employability and skills and retain talent in the region while also bringing additional opportunity and prosperity to the area. The university has been created to address a higher education ‘cold spot’ which has been identified, as well as widening participation by attracting a diverse student population from non-traditional backgrounds to improve social mobility and to redress the skills gaps within businesses and industries across Peterborough and the rest of the region.
The new university in Peterborough is set to open its doors to 2,000 students in 2022 with plans to offer courses for up to 12,500 students by 2030. Working with employers like us to develop and deliver the curriculum, which will be led by student and employer demand, the University will offer courses in engineering and technology skills. Courses will be delivered through a mixture of on campus lessons, in-work training, and apprenticeships, with distance learning and outreach programmes to improve accessibility and attract more talent. We’re looking forward to working with the University and students to offer further opportunities in our thriving city!
If you’re interested in our technology or want to hear more about opportunities with OAL, contact us today!
OAL takes part in Social Mobility Pledge
OAL has recently taken part in a new social mobility report with our partner, the University of Lincoln, and led by Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, who pioneered the Social Mobility Pledge. Discover the findings and read the report, including OAL’s role and our case study.
OAL has recently contributed to a new social mobility report produced by our partner, the University of Lincoln, and led by Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, who pioneered the Social Mobility Pledge.
Justine Greening with the University of Lincoln report
The new report outlines the impact of the partnership between the University of Lincoln, food industry employers and local schools in the Holbeach area in supporting social mobility and describes how this ecosystem of opportunity has helped to transform the options open to local children over the past decade.
The Social Mobility Pledge was set up by Justine Greening, then Secretary of State for Education, in 2018 to work alongside businesses and universities to tackle regional disparities and ensure there are opportunities for all. As Greening states in her foreword to the report, the University of Lincoln “has truly stepped into that wider role of a ‘levelling up university’, addressing issues that are relevant to its region’s problems and, through its own investment and effort, creating opportunities that link in with the expertise of the local area.”
The University of Lincoln sponsors the Lincolnshire Educational Trust, an academy trust of local primary, secondary and special educational needs schools based in Holbeach and surrounding villages in South Holland, as well as running a major education, training, and industrial R&D facility in Holbeach – the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM). The centre serves the skills and innovation needs of the UK's £110bn food and drinks sector, connecting local schools with a global industry and creating a new pipeline of talent for the sector. This is where OAL’s apprentices study and where we house our Steam Infusion & APRIL Robotics test centre.
OAL is a University of Lincoln project partner, offering a path into the workplace from the University and achieving great results for both the individuals and our company, as can be seen in our case study in the report. Samantha Norman, Director at OAL, took part in a round table discussion with Justine Greening, members of the University of Lincoln and other employer partners at the virtual launch event on 3 November 2020.
“We were delighted to take part in this report tackling such an important issue. It’s great to see the success of apprenticeships and how they can help people to overcome the ‘opportunity deficit’, both in terms of learning at the University and the support and development on offer as part of the team at OAL. We look forward to working with the University of Lincoln to support more young people in the future. ”
We’re committed to supporting the next generation getting into the world of work and developing the skills they need to thrive, whatever their background. The University has worked with the community and employers like OAL to raise aspirations and attainment, enhance educational opportunities, support businesses and create pathways for local people into highly-skilled employment and we’re very proud to partner with them.
OAL digitises its operations
In mid-2020, as the UK remained in lockdown due to COVID-19, we were awarded a grant to digitise our operations. As a result of the steps taken, we’re now working smarter, working faster and being more productive, helping the business to accelerate significantly.
In mid-2020, as the UK remained in lockdown due to COVID-19, we were awarded a grant to digitise our operations. As a result of the steps taken, we’re now working smarter, faster and more productively, helping the business to accelerate significantly. James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, visited us to see how we got on!
Banishing paper to the recycling
Harry and the team were able to digitise the business thanks to the COVID-19 Capital Grants Scheme from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. With a grant of around £48,000, OAL was able to make the most of the quieter period at the height of the lockdown to take steps to streamline operations and take advantage of new technologies. This meant an end to old systems generating what amounted to around 14 square metres of paperwork and non-integrated software which made it difficult for our teams to work collaboratively.
“This grant has been extraordinarily important for the future of our business. People are now doing in two hours what it might have take them all day to do before. We’re estimating productivity gains of about 20% within our business.”
State-of-the-art pods
The digitisation comes with 14 new, fully-equipped pods for staff to work in. Building work for the new pods and the setting up of the new equipment has been very cost-effective, using local contractors, prefabricated panels, Amazon Alexa hubs and Microsoft Teams software, for example, to slash the cost of a typical refit and overhaul. This meant we actually achieved double the number of pods than what was originally envisioned with the grant money.
Each pod is self-sufficient with its own ventilation, lights and screens allowing one person to work in a quiet, productive environment, where they can collaborate with colleagues and customers easily through video calls and shared documents, allowing for a more interactive way of working.
The pods also allow people to work in two-metre spaces, adhering to the latest public health guidelines, as beforehand the original open plan office environment provided too many distractions and meetings were not always productive.
“Adversity does create opportunity and COVID-19 has given us time to reflect. We had too much paperwork and our systems held back our potential to work more effectively as a team. The more we have rolled out this technology, the more we wished we had done it sooner.”
We received a ringing endorsement from Mayor Palmer, who was amazed by how much we achieved with the grant and commented that we had created “the most innovative, paperless 21st century office” and “the future of offices”. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority were exceptionally helpful throughout the application process, offering practical information and even making themselves available at weekends to help support us at what was a difficult time across the world. The transformation that we made wouldn’t have been possible without the grant so a big thank you to Mayor Palmer and the rest of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority team!
Ready to work with the new and improved OAL? Get in touch with us today!
Harry Norman's top 4 tips to thrive in 2020
With almost 30 years working with the food industry, Harry Norman’s seen it all and knows how to help manufacturers to extend machinery life or carry out refurbishments to meet revised process requirements and boost productivity. Here are his top four tips for thriving during these straitened times.
During the current climate of uncertainty, it’s clear that food manufacturers are up against it. Having to meet increased demand with fewer people while also implementing social distancing measures to protect staff and at the same time working with equipment that has perhaps seen better days… It’s certainly been a hard few months and it’s likely to continue. As reported in The Times, analysts at Peel Hunt have calculated that £23 billion has been cut from CAPEX budgets for this year in British listed companies alone. This means that it could be some time before manufacturers can consider investing in new machinery, let alone innovations to take operations to the next level.
It’s now more important than ever to make the most of what you have, something that our MD, Harry Norman, knows plenty about. With almost 30 years working with the food industry, he’s seen it all and knows how to help manufacturers to extend machinery life or carry out refurbishments to meet revised process requirements and boost productivity. Here are his top four tips for thriving during these straitened times.
Digital transformation
Productivity has always been the key buzzword in the global economy, but it has perhaps never been more necessary to return to pre-2008 levels. It was reported in February 2020 that the slowdown in productivity growth in the UK over the last ten years is the worst since the start of the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago, and the impact of COVID-19 is likely to have only worsened this situation.
So the question is, how can you increase your productivity, particularly if you can’t invest in major capital equipment? One way is to begin your journey towards digital transformation. By digitising your operations, you can typically achieve productivity savings of 10% running smarter and leaner and making the most of your existing assets. For example, by going paperless, your plant data can be transformed into useful insights, rather than disparate sheets of paper, allowing you to identify bottlenecks, downtime issues and waste. Our experts, trained in Six Sigma, alongside our software such as our LMS or APRIL Eye, can help you drive productivity gains across your entire facility.
Process simplification
Total production time for three 1,000 kg (2204 lb) batches of béchamel sauce using a traditional steam jacketed kettle vs. Steam Infusion.
When was the last time you reviewed your processes? We mean really delved into the detail? Chances are, it’s been a while and you could benefit from a fresh set of eyes highlighting any simplifications or rationalisations that can be made to speed up operations and boost efficiency. OAL is 100% dedicated to the food industry, and having completed hundreds of projects for manufacturers, both big and small, it means our experts can look at things differently, saving our customers millions of pounds through simple changes to improve throughput.
For example, one of the ways in which we can reduce the processing time of a béchamel sauce is by using our award-winning Steam Infusion technology, which not only achieves faster cooking times but also reduces the number of processing stages required. The traditional roux is not needed at the beginning of the process, and Steam Infusion can be used to mix whilst heating, while the lack of burn-on means that the number of CIP cycles can be reduced by up to 80%, saving valuable time and money.
Focus on maintenance
There’s no doubt that as people, we’re all more interested in innovation than maintenance, and it’s no different when it comes to plant equipment. But while budgets are tightened, it will become vital to make the most of your existing kit. It might be tempting to reduce maintenance right now but while you may see short-term gains, you could see long-term damage. An effective maintenance schedule and working with experts can help to take care of your kit to help it last longer.
For example, our Steam Infusion technology can also be used to extend vessel life. There’s no need to condemn your kettle cooking system and invest in a new jacket or tank if it fails the pressure tests or is no longer cooking efficiently. A simple retrofit adding one of our In-Tank Steam Infusion Vaction Pumps breathes new life into your existing kit, while delivering added benefits such as near maintenance-free operation and energy efficiency – particularly valuable at this time.
Consider used equipment
As we see the unfortunate news that some plants are closing due to the challenging economic conditions, we will inevitably see a rise in used kit coming on to the market, and this will be of a better quality that can usually be found. This can often be a cost-effective way to boost your productivity but it can be a challenge to find the right equipment and ensure that it is installed seamlessly into your existing processes.
While used kit can often represent a bargain, it requires a diverse set of engineering resources to integrate equipment that doesn’t meet your exact requirements. It may look great on paper but there are a number of questions to consider, such as how old is it, what is the warranty, are the controls current and even how will you get it to your plant?
Working with trusted partners, such as OAL, who have experience in delivering both new and refurbished equipment, as well as effective maintenance, ensures you get the right advice before committing, allowing you to minimise the risk and maximise savings.