Sidel has been selected to install an advanced end-of-line turnkey solution for British Sugar, the leading producer of sugar for the British and Irish food and beverage markets, which operates as a subsidiary of Associated British Foods. Collaborating with over 2,300 growers, British Sugar processes around 8 million tonnes of sugar beet yearly to generate up to 1.2 million tonnes of sugar, meeting the demands of both consumers and retailers.
To replace their outdated 38-year-old end-of-line system, British Sugar required a large-scale and highly adaptable solution that could manage multiple SKU complexities and automate their operations. Additionally, the new system needed to be compact and flexible, fitting into the limited plant area available and accommodating various pallet and format types. This complex technical challenge required a reliable partner with exceptional engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Addressing the specific needs of British Sugar, Sidel’s design and equipment focused on achieving flexibility, reliability, and high-speed output by utilizing advanced robotics. The comprehensive turnkey solution provided by Sidel covers the entire process, from sugar bagging outlet to warehousing.
James Warby, project integration manager at British Sugar, emphasized the importance of finding a partner that could overcome building constraints while meeting technical specifications: “Sidel’s collaborative approach showcased their agility and transparency in finding solutions. Their shared vision with our engineering team instilled trust and confirmed our decision to partner with them for this project.”
Bastien Carcenac, account manager at Sidel, praised the cooperation between the multidisciplinary teams of both companies, ensuring the most efficient and flexible solution while upholding high standards throughout the value chain. The successful deployment of this breakthrough end-of-line solution will significantly enhance future production management for British Sugar. Two additional installation phases are planned for the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.
Thierry Grassart, sales director FHPC Northern & Southern Europe at Sidel, highlighted the importance of understanding British Sugar’s challenges and delivering exceptional expertise in end-of-line solutions: “Through collaborative efforts, we built a strong team and, leveraging Sidel’s technological innovation, delivered a best-in-class turnkey solution.”
