Forresters, in favour of foam

Based in Kingsley, Cheshire, the firm predominantly manufactures high quality cooked chicken products for the retail and food service sectors from its headquarters near Runcorn.  On site, over 250 staff work across 14 retail packing lines, with an overall production capacity of more than 90 tonnes per day.

In 2020 Forresters invested £2m in new machinery and is committed to continuous improvement and development of quality systems and procedures that exceed customer expectations as well as meeting legal standards.

Part of this commitment is to continuously improve the site’s food safety and quality culture and in doing so the company looks to its suppliers for the same commitment and values as its own.  This includes acting in a sustainable manner and working with suppliers who also hold these values.  

With a healthy growth in business, Operations Director Angus Dilliway Parry turned to Christyens Food Hygiene to supply new wash down systems for cleaning the factory post-production.  “We had been dealing with Christeyns for a while and the quality and service levels were excellent.  I asked them to look at replacing our wash systems from a high to low pressure,” explains Angus.

As part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technologies, CFHsuggested the installation of a Foamico foam-based cleaning system to ensure the facility was operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Foamico are an independent, Danish family-run company manufacturing quality cleaningsolutions to the food and beverage market who in partnership with CFH offer a total hygiene package to manufacturers across the UK. 

Forresters invested in 17 Foamico wall-mounted boxes which have a built-in pump that uses pressurised foam to clean and disinfect food preparation areas. CFH installed a complete new stainless steel ring main with dilute detergent and disinfectant. Working with Christeyns’chemicals, Mida San disinfectant and Mida Foam detergent, the system offers considerable reductions in water, energy and chemical usage.

“CFH designed a phenomenal pump system for the factory,” Angus confirmed. “We work with them to monitor the cleaning process, and the results are very good.  Monitoring product quality, operating outstanding manufacturing practices and hygiene standards 24 hours a day every day is crucial for food safety, quality and compliance and we can now do this with complete peace of mind.”

Since the installation of the Foamico cleaning system, Forresters has seen a 50% decrease in chemical usage.  The Foamico boxes include an option to alternate between detergent, rinse and sanitiser where air is injected into the detergent to give it a shaving foam consistency.

Angus continues: “The system has made a massive difference – the contact time of the chemical on the walls and machinery is exceptional.  The pre-diluted mix of detergent and sanitiser has reduced usage massively and still given us extremely good quality foam.”

Alongside the engineering team, H&M Disinfection, now part of CFH, played a major role in installing the pump set. CFH provide monthly site visits to conduct finished standards and cleaning methodology audits, carry out chemical titration and safety checks. Working in conjunction the Hygiene Manager the team carry out post cleaning inspections, making suggestions for improvement where necessary. The CFH team also provide chemical safety training and share knowledge and best practices to help support reductions in chemical and resource usage.

“As with most businesses, the cost of chemicals and equipment is a big factor for Forresters, but it is the trust and peace of mind that is key and the main reason we choose to work with CFH.  Like Forresters, CFH are and behave like a family business.  They work with us, provide advice and explain how things work. I know if I have a problem, I have CFH on hand to help.”

As a family-owned business, Forresters has the ability to adapt quickly to the ever-changing demands of consumers and businesses, their services remain flexible which allows the delivery of consistently high-quality products.  But above all their dedication to innovation, sustainability and taste are at the heart of all they do.

For more information, visit www.christeyns.com

TEL: 01925 234 696