Industry Insights

Adding a new conveyor to an existing food production line can appear relatively straightforward. A product leaves one piece of equipment, travels along a conveyor and arrives at the next. Short run incline conveyor built to feed into another piece of equipment In practice, successful conveyor integration involves considerably more than making sure the new equipment physically fits between two machines. Conveyor height, speed, product transfers, hygiene, access, controls, fact

When specifying a conveyor for a food production facility, one of the first decisions is whether to choose a standard, off-the-shelf conveyor or have a system designed specifically for the application. Both approaches have advantages. For a straightforward conveying task, a standard system may be quicker to specify, easier to purchase and more economical. However, food production environments can introduce additional challenges, from hygiene and washdown requirements to limit

Bakery and snack products present unique handling challenges throughout the production process. From freshly baked bread and delicate pastries to biscuits, tortillas, cakes and savoury snacks, products must be conveyed efficiently while protecting their appearance, texture and quality. Unlike many manufacturing environments, bakery products can be easily damaged through excessive handling, sudden impacts or poorly designed transfer points. Choosing the right bakery and snack

Live bird handling is one of the most demanding areas within poultry processing. Conveyor systems must do far more than transport transport modules, drawers or equipment from one location to another—they form an integral part of the complete handling process, influencing bird welfare, operator safety, production efficiency and long-term reliability. Whether installing a new poultry processing line or upgrading an existing facility, selecting the right live bird handling proce

Fresh fruit and vegetable processing presents unique engineering challenges. Unlike many other food sectors, processors must handle products that vary significantly in size, shape, weight and fragility while maintaining freshness, minimising damage and achieving high production throughput. Whether processing root vegetables, leafy salads, soft fruit or prepared vegetables, the right conveyor system forms the backbone of an efficient production line. Modern fruit and vegetable

In modern poultry and meat processing facilities, conveyors do far more than transport products from one stage of production to the next. They are a critical part of the manufacturing process, influencing hygiene, productivity, product quality and overall operational efficiency. Whether handling raw poultry, fresh meat, packaged products or finished goods, selecting the right conveyor system can have a significant impact on both production performance and long-term operating

Food manufacturers rely on conveyor systems to keep production moving safely, efficiently and hygienically. Whether transporting raw ingredients, finished products or packaged goods, choosing the right conveyor is essential for maintaining product quality, maximising throughput and reducing operational downtime. Today's food processing conveyor solutions are available in many different configurations, from standard off-the-shelf units through to fully bespoke systems designed

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of pharmaceuticals, efficiency, precision, and safety are non-negotiable. Whether it’s moving raw materials, packaging, or transporting finished products, the conveyor systems used in these environments must meet the highest standards of hygiene, accuracy, and durability. For many pharmaceutical companies, the solution lies in custom-made conveyor systems designed to meet their specific operational needs. Why custom conveyor systems may be

The True Cost of Downtime in Poultry Processing In live bird handling, downtime is not just an inconvenience — it has an immediate and measurable impact on the entire processing operation. As the first stage of the line, any disruption affects everything downstream, from stunning and processing through to packing. Lost production time, reduced throughput, and increased pressure on staff are only part of the issue. There are also wider implications around animal welfare, produ

Why Ongoing Support is Critical in Live Bird Processing Live bird handling systems sit at the very front of the poultry processing line, making them one of the most critical stages in the entire operation. Any disruption at this point has an immediate knock-on effect, impacting throughput, welfare standards, and downstream processes. Unlike many other areas of production, there is very little room for error. Systems must operate continuously, reliably, and in line with strict

Salad leaves and fresh-cut produce are highly delicate, making gentle handling essential throughout the process. Poor transfers, excessive drop heights, or uncontrolled flow can lead to bruising, tearing, and reduced shelf life. A well-designed conveyor system ensures smooth movement from intake through to packing, protecting product quality and maintaining consistency across the line. Designed for Washing and Wet Processing Environments Salad processing typically involves in

Built Around Fresh, Variable Products Fruit and vegetable processing presents a unique challenge: no two products are ever exactly the same. Variations in size, shape, ripeness, and fragility must be considered when designing a conveyor system. A custom conveyor system in a fruit and fresh produce processing plant A custom solution allows you to handle everything from loose produce, such as grapes and leafy greens, to packed items, such as punnets and trays. By designing arou

Selecting a conveyor system for meat and poultry processing is about far more than simply moving product. In demanding environments where hygiene, reliability, and efficiency are critical, the right system becomes a core part of your operation — influencing everything from product quality to uptime. A well-designed conveyor should be built around your specific process. Every facility is different, whether you’re handling raw poultry, portioned meat, or frozen products. Factor

Why is space optimisation important in food processing plants? Space in a food processing plant is rarely static. As production grows and processes evolve, layouts that once worked well can become crowded or inefficient. Equipment is added, workflows change, and over time, movement through the plant can become slower and more complicated. Optimising space isn’t just about fitting more in—it’s about making sure everything works together smoothly. A well-organised layout suppor

If you zoom out and look at a poultry processing plant as a whole, everything starts with one critical stage: how birds arrive, are handled, and move into the process. It might sound straightforward—but in reality, live bird handling is one of the most complex and influential parts of the entire operation. It sits at the intersection of logistics, animal welfare, automation, and product quality. And increasingly, it’s where the biggest improvements are being made. Why live

If you’ve ever watched a modern food production line, one thing stands out almost immediately: everything is moving. Ingredients, products, packaging—each step flows into the next with surprising precision. Behind that movement is something simple in principle but incredibly important in practice: the conveyor system. So, how do food conveyor systems actually work—and why are they such a fundamental part of food processing? What is a food conveyor system? At its core, a conve

In today’s poultry processing landscape, efficiency, welfare, and consistency are no longer optional—they are fundamental to staying competitive. As processors face increasing pressure to optimise throughput while maintaining the highest welfare standards, investing in advanced live bird handling solutions has become a strategic necessity. At the forefront of this evolution are fully bespoke, automated systems designed to transform how birds are received, handled, and prepare

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and food processing industries, efficient material handling is vital for maintaining productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring workplace safety. For businesses with unique operational demands, bespoke conveyor systems offer a tailored solution that off-the-shelf equipment can’t match. But what should you consider when choosing a custom system, and how can working with specialist suppliers deliver better value for your investment in the lon

Working on paper and in practice – that’s the answer At Wrightfield, we see it all too often. A conveyor or process line has been installed. Still, it doesn’t suit the way the factory actually runs — operators reach too far, cleaning takes longer than expected, or the product doesn’t flow as efficiently as it could. That’s why every Wrightfield project starts with a comprehensive on-site consultation. Before we even begin quoting, our engineers take the time to understand you

In many food processing environments, conveyor systems don’t get much attention—until something goes wrong. Throughput drops, cleaning takes too long, the product gets damaged, or operators start working around the system instead of with it. Choosing the right conveyor isn’t about finding the most advanced or cheapest option. It’s about selecting a system that fits your product, your process, and the realities of your production environment. The questions below reflect the on