Mackle Food to invest US$7.8M in automation to expand its factory
UK – The UK’s Mackle Food Company, a UK snacks group, has unveiled a £ 6.3 million (US$7.8 million) investment to expand its factory, enhancing automation and increase productivity.
Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) backed the investment, providing the company with nearly £970,000 (US$1 million) through the Agri-Food Investment Initiative.
The company, specialising in puffed snacks for private label and healthy eating markets, announced that the strategic investment will in turn increase its sales outside its home province.
Mackle managing director Joseph Mackle said: “By replacing manual methods with advanced robotics and real-time production monitoring, we will enhance efficiency, reduce waste, move towards environmentally friendly materials and significantly increase our outputs.
“This will ensure we can continue to grow our business as we expand into new markets and strengthen our relationships with global brands.”
The expansion plan includes creating 32 new jobs, including roles for robotics engineers and IT automation support professionals.
He added, “These roles are crucial to ensure the new robotics and automation deliver efficiencies across the manufacturing process.
Invest NI food and drink director Gráinne Moody said: “Investment in automation and digitalised processes provides a real opportunity for increased productivity in the agri-food sector.
He concluded that the investment would improve the business’s efficiency and boost the local economy.
Cape Town Port explores automation to improve efficiency and support agri-export
Meanwhile, the Cape Town Port has invested in new equipment, such as reach stackers and rubber-tired gantries, which are expected to ease logistical bottlenecks.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasised the importance of these upgrades, noting that 75 new pieces of equipment have been added to the port’s arsenal. “These tools are designed to help with container stacking and vessel loading, which will greatly reduce delays.”
Weather conditions, such as extreme winds, have also exacerbated inefficiencies, highlighting the need for modernised operations.
Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders are optimistic that automation and digital solutions could transform port performance.
The prospect of automation has sparked mixed reactions. Captain Naresh Sewnath of the Transnet National Port Authority shared insights into efforts to align digital systems with local requirements. “We are customising digital platforms to meet operational needs and comply with South African regulations.”
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