Production process runs smoothly at Borgesius Bakery

Borgesius Bakery bakes and packages bread products for leading supermarket chains. At their Rotterdam location, both large and small bread products are produced. Massive ovens, spiral mixers, dough dividers, and long conveyor lines ensure the process continues without interruption. To keep everything running smoothly, it is essential that the machines are properly lubricated with food-safe products.

“In an industrial bakery like ours, food safety and responsible operations come first,” says Rogier Gerritsen of Marlen, Head of Technical Services at the Borgesius bakery in Rotterdam. “There’s a lot involved. For example, it is important to maintain the machines properly using the right lubricants: products that do not easily become liquid and start dripping at the high temperatures we work with here. The fully synthetic lubricants from FenS are the perfect solution for us. Because they are free of mineral oil, they don’t dissolve when heated. In addition, wherever possible, we choose so-called 3H products.” Erik van Eldijk, Key Account Manager at FenS, explains: “These are fully plant-based products that fully safeguard the food safety of the end product, even in the event of direct food contact.”

Price-quality ratio

When we ask Rogier about the price-quality ratio of FenS lubricants, he answers decisively: “It’s simply good. The products may seem slightly more expensive at first, but they more than pay for themselves over time. Previously, for example, I had to shorten the oven belt every six months because it stretched due to the heavy operation of the oven. Since we started using FenS products, that is no longer necessary. I also regularly hear from colleagues at other locations that the bushings of the press arms in the dough dividers wear out. Replacing them is a major operation that costs a lot of time and money. Recently, I had my dough dividers inspected again, and it turned out the bushings are still in good condition. You can’t prove it, but I attribute that to the lubricants from FenS.”

Efficiency gains

Thanks to the broad applicability of the lubricants, a clear efficiency improvement has also been achieved. Erik explains: “Together with Rogier, we first reviewed which products were being used and how we could reduce the number of products with our lubricants. We did this in combination with a tailored lubrication plan, in which all points of attention are clearly mapped out.” Rogier adds: “Because we can now work with far fewer different products, the purchasing process is less prone to errors and we can operate more intelligently and cost-effectively. In addition, the products last longer because less is needed. In the past, we applied too much lubricant. That’s a waste, and with FenS lubricants, it’s completely unnecessary. When used sparingly, they deliver optimal results.”

Rogier Gerritsen of Marlen (left) and Erik van Eldijk

Service & flexibility

Borgesius expects more from its suppliers than just a good product. “It’s about the total package: a high-quality product combined with the right service and support,” says Rogier. “In FenS, we have found a true partner in that regard. In a production environment where large volumes are realized and the process runs continuously, flexibility and the ability to respond quickly are essential. If I have a question, I receive an answer within 24 hours. They think along with us and are open to new ideas. When I asked Erik for a poster explaining the products for my trainee technicians, the idea was immediately embraced and developed. Being able to collaborate in this way is extremely valuable.” Erik adds: “With our service, we truly aim to provide added value. We contribute ideas on lubrication plans and carry out oil analyses, among other things. We are happy to take on ideas or requests from customers. Our service goes the extra mile.”

Innovating

Recently, Rogier installed automatic lubricators in hard-to-reach areas. “The product inside them once again comes from FenS,” Rogier explains. “That gives me peace of mind, because I know it provides the right protection and lubrication. It also saves a significant amount of time. Previously, I had to remove all the paneling from the machine, inspect everything, clean it, lubricate it, and then reassemble it. Now I only need to shine a light on it to check whether everything is still functioning as it should. If it is, I can move on.” Rogier continues to look for improvements. “We also want to keep taking the next step in food safety. In the coming years, new machines will be purchased, and together with FenS we will once again look for the most suitable lubrication solutions. Everything we do is aimed at working cleaner, more targeted, more efficiently, and more sustainably.”

www.borgesius.nl
www.fens.nl

Photos: ©Dennis Wisse