The first Marketing Stockport meeting of 2015 has already raised the barrier to dizzy heights as those who attended will no doubt agree! Allied Bakeries’ General Manager Carl Hampson treated us to a fantastically informative and thought provoking presentation – ‘Changing the Game’ – where Carl shared a very honest account of his and his teams’ experiences of implementing a huge £multi-million plan of investment at the now state-of-the-art Bredbury bread production line.
Revamped as part of a wider capital expenditure programme, Carl was responsible for implementing the £35m project over the course of 18 months, ensuring the Associated British Foods’ bakery is in position for long-term growth, with new technology and processes, improvements in the quality and consistency of its loaves and supporting the manufacturers’ market leading innovation in products and competitive agility.
But such major investment brought about its own challenges for Carl who had to ask many questions of himself and his team: “Am I the right person to manage such an investment of such scale?” “Do I have the right people in place to do this with me and successfully manage change and improved processes”?
Evaluation of the current workforce, processes and demands of the retail environment meant change was a crucial part of future proofing the plant and its continued production.
Left: Allied Bakeries – winners at the 2014 Stockport Business Awards
What has emerged is a 21st century food manufacturing production line resulting in increased productivity and more streamlined working methods.
But what was most noticeable to all of us was the working atmosphere and respect that Carl and his staff have for each other: from the security men in the lodge, to Alan in Operations and to Mark who provided us with a lovely breakfast.
Worthy winners indeed (above) of the Employer of the Year award at the 2014 Stockport Business of the Year awards.
As well as optimising the performance of its infrastructure, Allied Bakeries is investing in training its staff to ensure the workforce is in a position to deliver future growth. A five-week training programme has transformed bakery operatives into capable, empowered manufacturing technicians equipped with operational, problem solving and diagnostic skills.
Unfortunately we ran out time in the Q&A but visitors were rewarded with a tour of the new facility as well as the opportunity to sample bread as it left the production lines; I just wonder how many loaves made it home before the overwhelming urge to sample the freshest loaf we have probably ever had the pleasure of eating!
Helen White