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Oakland International Completes Racking Safety System Rollout

Oakland International Completes Racking Safety System Rollout

 

Supply chain solutions specialist, Oakland International, has completed a key investment in a unique warehouse racking safety system which removes the risk of racking collapse across its UK and Ireland business operations.

 

Oakland International General Manager, Jamie Robinson, commented: “We wanted a solution which would provide the safest possible working environment for our team members and also protect the business from the potential risks associated with a full-scale rack collapse.”

 

Rack Collapse Prevention’s (RCP) Rhino racking safety system protects the complete rack following leg impact damage and stops any potential domino effect happening within a storage facility. RCP utilises a unique patented safety system which is suspended from a building’s steel structure, which is then attached to each individual racking support leg. In the case of a building’s structure not being suitable, then a secondary steel structure is installed which then supports the suspension system.

 

Taking the decision to install RCP’s racking safety system throughout their Redditch, Corby and Dublin operations, the business is more than satisfied with the results.

 

Installing RCP ranged from one week to three weeks depending on the size of the building, with Oakland’s storage facilities reaching heights of twelve to seventeen meters and racking run lengths anywhere from sixty meters and covering a total of seventy runs across all three sites.

 

RCP’s Managing Director, Craig Attwell, commented: “Oakland International understood the potential risks posed from racking collapse, to its staff and to its business security. Despite every effort and systems put in place, accidents will and do happen.

 

“Safety should always be paramount and any and all measures that reduce the potential risks associated with warehouse racking should be taken but regrettably many precautions against rack collapse appear to be led by cost rather than by good practice. RCP has valued partnering with Oakland International on this project.”

 

Oakland International is a BRC AA accredited business, a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and is a specialist contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

 

GOLDEN BAKE PARTNERS WITH MRS BROWN TO CREATE TV STAR’S FIRST EVER FOOD BRAND

GOLDEN BAKE PARTNERS WITH MRS BROWN TO CREATE TV STAR’S FIRST EVER FOOD BRAND

MRS BROWN’S KITCHEN LAUNCHES WITH RANGE OF PUFF PASTRY CROWNS EXCLUSIVELY AT ICELAND

 

Golden Bake (www.golden-bake.com), Ireland’s leading puff pastry company, has teamed up with TV’s hilarious Mrs. Brown to create  Mrs. Brown’s Kitchen, the TV star’s first-ever food brand.

 

 

The brand will bring Mammy’s cooking straight to the homes of hungry families across the UK with a range of ready-to-bake, savoury pastry treats, available exclusively in-store and online at Iceland.

 

Brits are familiar with Mrs. Brown’s iconic TV kitchen, which has been graced by a host of celebrity guests, from Pamela Anderson to Caitlin Jenner. But now consumers can experience ‘d’Mammy’s cooking and get a real slice of the Brown’s family action in their own homes for the very first time.

The Range

Mrs. Brown’s Kitchen is launching with a range of bakery-fresh Puff Pastry Crowns. Each Crown is a little parcel of golden, flaky puff pastry filled with delicious ingredients. There are two varieties in the range, each with their own unique fillings:

    • Ham and Cheese Crowns (RRP: £1.25 for a box of two) – ‘Yer can’t beat a classic. Mrs. Brown’s favourite: Ham and Emmental cheese in a creamy sauce, wrapped in her delicious and fluffy puff pastry. Perfect with a cup a tea.

 

    • Chicken Fajita Crowns (RRP: £1.25 for a box of two) – A little spice is nice. Mrs. Brown has prepared a tasty mix of chicken, Cheddar cheese and vegetables in a spicy fajita sauce, wrapped in her delicious and fluffy puff pastry. Winnie’s favourite!

 

The recipes were created by ‘fecking food genius’ chef Aly. A lot of people will recognise him as being the chef on All Round to Mrs Browns, but Chef Aly has spent many years working around the world developing his culinary skills.

For those more ramshackle than Gordon Ramsay, don’t panic – any eejit can make ’em. Mrs. Brown’s Kitchen Puff Pastry Crowns are ready-to-bake straight from the box in under 25 minutes. Just shove ’em in the d’oven and then scoff the lot.

 

Mrs. Brown’s Puff Pastry Crowns are perfect for everyday occasions. Easy to cook and even easier to eat, enjoy a Crown or two for a quick and simple brekkie, lunch or dinner, or whilst watching an episode of Mrs. Brown’s Boys! They make a tasty and filling teatime treat for the whole family, or cook ’em en-masse to bring a little of Mammy’s pizzazz to parties.

 

The Mrs. Brown’s Kitchen range is available exclusively in Iceland stores nationwide and via Iceland online (RRP: £1.25 for a pack of two). Grand.

 

Get the latest news, hot from d’oven:

    • Instagram: mrs.brownskitchen
    • Facebook: mrs.brownskitchentreats

For all media enquiries, image or sample requests, please contact PALM:

Hayley Taylor: hayley.taylor@palm-pr.com / 0207 871 6734

 

Oakland International Extends Contract Packing Capabilities

Oakland International Extends Contract Packing Capabilities

Ethical family business and multi temperature supply chain solutions, distribution and logistics provider, Oakland International, is hoping to attain improved efficiencies following major investment in its core contract packing and coding capabilities.

 

Speaking about the rationale behind their investment, Oakland International Strategic Development Manager Pete Vaughan said:

 

“The primary customer and retail partner benefits derived from this investment are those of improved efficiency, reduced wastage and greater process control. We have a long history of working with Domino’s coding and marking products as their core range is particularly suited to Oakland’s specialist contract packing operations.”

 

Managing the production of date codes and case labelling without the need for manual intervention will boost accuracy across operations as the new system uses scanners to produce all information via a central database, with outer-case barcode labels printed at point of application, reducing waste and enhancing process control.

 

Oakland now plans to create additional areas for contract packing and parcel packing operations to further enhance control of the processes and to streamline seasonal packing operations, with in-case coding offering supplier cost benefits and a greater level of due diligence and process control.

 

Added Pete: “With Oakland trialling and installing a number of efficient and environmentally responsible initiatives over the years, both here in the UK and Ireland, a key driver for the business is our ability to provide customers and retail partners with the most efficient supply chain wherever possible.”

 

Aiming to be the first carbon-neutral business within its sector, Oakland International is a BRC AA accredited business, a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development and is a specialist contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and brand development support provider for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

 

SIMPLY FRIES INSPIRES CHEFS – Creative dishes for food-to-go

SIMPLY FRIES INSPIRES CHEFS

Creative dishes for food-to-go

Potato manufacturer Farm Frites is continuing its focus on creative recipes to support operators trying to create take away and home delivery menus through the Coronavirus crisis.

It’s #SimplyFriesProfitRise campaign was launched to support sustainable use of store cupboard ingredients for profitable kitchens producing minimal wastage. The campaign was an extension to its annual sustainability reports and reaction to the increasing prices seen with ingredients recently.

“In these testing times for foodservice and hospitality, our Simply Fries campaign could not be more relevant and we are putting more support behind it,” explains Nic Townsend, trade market marketer for Farm Frites UK & Ireland.

“We have produced recipe cards and will be sharing this inspiration through recipes and step by step videos on our social channels. There are so many considerations when it comes to a takeaway menu; cost, ease, convenience and the suitability of delivery for certain product types.

“We want to support businesses who are going through this process to extend or set up their takeaway menus. When ingredients are scarce and in low supply, we aim to help maximise sales and maintain a level of business in these challenging times.”

The recipes find a use for a range of vegetables, proteins and spices and sauces; whether mixing into mash, layering over fries or wedges, making alternate burgers or pancakes with potato cakes and a host of other inspiring ideas. There are even recipes which mix ice cream and fries for those with a sweet tooth.

“We have always thought that almost anything goes when it comes to loaded fries and in these challenging times cost effective dishes like this seem to hit the spot. We are looking to be inspired as much as inspire and would love to see everyone’s lockdown delights!” concludes Nic.

Follow Farm Frites on Instagram @farmfritesuk and share with #SimplyFriesProfitRise.

XPO Logistics Puts Employee Safety First during COVID-19

XPO Logistics Puts Employee Safety First during COVID-19

 

Takes extensive measures to protect global workforce in moving critical medical supplies, protective gear, food and beverages, and household staples

 

 XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of supply chain solutions, has adapted quickly to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain continuity of vital services and safeguard its workforce. The company is using a combination of rigorous protective measures, technology and virtual communications to help keep employees safe in all 30 countries where it operates.

 

XPO teams are working in unprecedented circumstances to move critically important goods through supply chains, including medical products, personal protective equipment, food and beverages, telecommunication devices, household goods and business supplies. The company provides essential support to industrial, retail and institutional customers, as well as government agencies.

 

Bradley Jacobs, chairman and chief executive officer of XPO Logistics, said, “I’m beyond proud of the way our employees have stepped up to fulfil our responsibilities in serving communities around the globe. We’ll continue to prioritise the physical, mental and emotional well-being of every person on our team.”

Nearly all of XPO’s sites continue to operate, with short-term shutdowns for deep cleaning as needed. Customers have uninterrupted access to the company’s full range of transportation services: dedicated and non-dedicated truckload, less-than-truckload, last mile, managed transportation and global forwarding.

 

Additionally, XPO is aiding national, regional and local authorities with crisis management. In Spain, the company is distributing masks and other protective measures for the Junta of Castilla and León. In the United States, XPO has partnered with the New York City Emergency Management Department for the distribution of life-sustaining supplies to people isolated in the epicentre of the pandemic.

 

XPO moved quickly to deploy comprehensive operating protocols that prioritize employee safety while meeting the company’s responsibilities as a designated provider of essential infrastructure services.

 

  • XPO employees worldwide are working remotely if able to do so. For employees who need to work on site, the company follows the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO), national authorities and its own health and safety protocols.

 

  • The company has introduced online programs in seven languages to help employees manage change during the pandemic. These include video sessions on health and safety, stress management and working remotely, as well as information on special policies in effect.

 

  • All XPO workplaces conform to social distancing guidelines. Where possible, sites have erected barriers between workstations and use demarcations on floors to limit contact between employees. Visitors are restricted from accessing XPO offices and field locations.

 

  • Employees must affirm their health status before beginning a shift, stay home if they are ill and be tested if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.

 

  • Site management, senior team members and human resources staff participate in meetings prior to the start of each shift to emphasize social distancing and the importance of leaving work immediately if feeling sick. These policies are reinforced by signs posted throughout the facilities.

 

  • XPO’s drivers and transportation contractors perform no-contact deliveries whenever possible, using digital image verification as proof of delivery and managing capacity on the company’s digital freight platform.

 

  • The company has arranged for additional cleaning measures inside its workplaces and provides personal protective equipment and sanitization supplies to employees, with procurement measures in place to monitor inventory levels.

 

  • XPO has created a multilingual COVID-19 portal where employees can access safety information, company policies, preventative measures and benefits information online.

 

About XPO Logistics and XPO Logistics Europe

XPO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a top ten global logistics provider of cutting-edge supply chain solutions to the most successful companies in the world. The company operates as a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets in 30 countries, with 1,504 locations and approximately 100,000 employees. XPO uses its network to help more than 50,000 customers manage their goods most efficiently throughout their supply chains. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, and its European headquarters are in Lyon, France. XPO conducts the majority of its European operations through its subsidiary, XPO Logistics Europe, which trades under the stock symbol XPO on Euronext Paris – Isin FR0000052870. europe.xpo.com

DAWN FOODS APPOINTS NEW STUDENT AMBASSADORS

DAWN FOODS APPOINTS NEW STUDENT AMBASSADORS

As part of its on-going partnership with University College Birmingham (UCB) Dawn Foods has appointed two new student ambassadors for 2020.

Marko Josipovic and Vaishnavi Vora are both second year students on UCB’s Bakery and Patisserie degree course.

A self-proclaimed ‘donut’ enthusiast, Marko is a keen food photographer who posts tempting pictures of his baking creations on his Instagram feed @Marko_bakes.

“I started baking when I was nine years old”, Marko explains.” My mom had a sweet tooth and she’d make a simple chocolate cake almost every weekend. It looked easy so I wanted to learn and soon I started making more complicated things and experimenting in the kitchen.  I enjoy making different patisserie products particularly working with chocolate. Enriched breads like cinnamon rolls are my favourite.

“I’m really interested in food styling, blogging and photography and hope to do this full time in the future”.

Vaishnavi’s passion is for new product development, creating new ideas for commercial production.

“My mother used to bake cakes at home for my brother and me and she always asked me to help. This slowly became my hobby and later my passion”, explains Vaishnavi.

“I wanted a career where I could combine bakery with science and technology, so I travelled from my home in India to the UK to pursue a degree at UCB.

“I am passionate about cake decorating and love making cakes for family and friends but professionally I am in awe of the technology used in big companies and product trials. In the future, I would like to work as a new product development technologist or research and development technologist in a large-scale manufacturing company.”

The two student ambassadors will be working with Dawn on developing new ideas around seasonality trends with a focus on bakery application for vegan and gluten free diets. Working closely with Robin Loud, Dawn’s Application Chef, Marko and Vaishnavi will be creating new recipes that tap into seasonal bakery directions as well as ‘free from’ trends. The recipes will be available on the Dawn website and via social media for bakers to try for themselves.

Dawn’s social platforms will also be used by both ambassadors for blog posts, sharing pictures, ideas, tips and trends.

Jacqui Passmore, Marketing Manager UK and Ireland at Dawn Foods said:

“The Dawn Foods student ambassador programme has been running for several years now and is a great two-way process – students get insight and work experience within a global bakery manufacturer and we benefit hugely from their insight into the latest trends in bakery. New product development – Vaishnavi’s area of interest – is key for every forward-thinking bakery so we are looking forward to working with her to develop new ideas. Marko’s passion for social media is really exciting too – he has a great eye for brand building, and this will help support our marketing activity. Both will bring ideas and insights from the perspective of next generation of bakers.”

About Dawn Foods

Bakery manufacturer and ingredients supplier Dawn Foods has established itself as one of the top global bakery companies, providing ingredients, bespoke solutions and services to the bakery and foodservice industries. Headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, and with its UK and Ireland base in Evesham, Worcestershire, Dawn Foods employs more than 5000 people worldwide and partners with more than 40,000 artisanal and retail bakers, food service leaders and manufacturers located in more than 100 countries. This year (2020) Dawn Foods celebrates 100 years in business.

For more information about the company, its products and culture, please visit www.dawnfoods.com.

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