Heat and Control is an importer of equipment from such market leaders as Ishida, Ceia, Enflex and Prefamac. The company integrates this technology, adding materials handling equipment and builds it locally in Brisbane.
International marketing manager Leigh Stegemann says the company’s vision is to continue offering equipment and service that comes with knowledge and expertise sourced from around the world, so that Australian food companies, both large and small can access the latest technologies and ideas.
“In order to offer customers a one-stop-shop for all aspects of food processing packaging, inspection and product handling, Heat and Control partners with companies of like quality standards,” he says.
“We’ve invested heavily in R&D so that we can provide complete systems as well as individual product solutions.”
Sales manager Packaging Division Australia Rob Marguccio adds that whenever Heat and Control considers new market requirements the company does it in conjunction with its international markets.
“We assist the input of customer requirements through our principal equipment suppliers,” he explains, “and continually aim to reinforce our working relationships with customers as we develop products that are providing advanced solutions for their increasing needs.”
Leigh Stegemann describes the development of Heat and Control solutions as a process where dedicated teams cover all aspects of production, design, testing, engineering and manufacturing.
“After extensive consultation including trials and testing with food technologists, we design and manufacture equipment to precisely match production requirements,” he tells Packaging Magazine.
“We offer a comprehensive range of services: including initial planning, the manufacture of equipment, agency machinery supply, installation and commissioning, spare parts and technical back-up support.”
“Our expertise also allows for consultation, improvement or redevelopment for existing operations as well as processing solutions for niche or emerging food producers and manufacturers who are looking to expand facilities.”
According to Stegemann, Australian equipment manufacturing companies have always battled with cheaper alternatives, but many manage to develop good strategies in order to compete.
“Equipment manufacturers need to be smart in developing additional benefits to make their products more attractive than lower cost alternatives,” he says.
“Companies also need to think outside Australian borders. Many overseas markets can provide plenty of opportunities for good quality Australian made equipment.”
Rob Marguccio concurs. “Generally it has always been difficult for Australian manufacturers to compete overseas,” he says, “due to the scale of demand for products in relative terms in Australia.
"However there have been some great success stories for Australian manufacturers exporting technically advanced equipment, that will see them continuing their successes in the future.”
In terms of sustainability, Marcuccio says Heat and Control supplies equipment that has been designed to minimise electrical consumption and radiated emissions.
“In talking about life cycles, the equipment we supply generally is in service for decades,” he says. Leigh Stegemann puts it another way. “We take a whole of systems approach,” he says.
“We look for efficiency savings across the line whether it be minimising waste, reducing energy consumption and water usage or designing more efficient layouts.
"We assess the whole operation and look for opportunities to increase efficiency that will ultimately improve the sustainability of the manufacturer.”
Apart from sustainability, Stegemann and Marcuccio agree the greatest movements forward over the years have been in the area of automation and robotics, along with increasing equipment throughput, greater speed, accuracy and reduced ‘give away’.
“The development or realignment of current technology to address changes in packaging as a consequence of an environmental consciousness will become more prevalent,” Stegemann predicts.
“In addition, more food safety initiatives will rely on inspection systems such as X-ray and metal detection. Equipment that offers increased flexibility as a result of fluctuations in market demand will be essential.
"Those manufacturers with the ability to change their processing programs quickly and efficiently without affecting quality will be more able to survive by better adapting to ever changing customer tastes.”
An AUSPACK exhibitor since the trade show’s inception, Stegemann says Heat and Control has always been keen to support the Australian market.
“We see AUSPACK as an important part of our marketing strategy,” he says.
Stegemann and Marcuccio are coy about the technology Heat and Control will display at AUSPACK, saying only that it will comprise an extensive range of packaging and processing equipment including Inspection systems.
“Heat and Control is involved in both processing and packaging, so there is a great deal of development happening continuously, both at Heat and Control and through its principals,” Marcuccio says with a smile.
“Lets just say, come to the show you won’t be disappointed.”
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