Production line investment

KernPack has announced a new research partnership with University of Portsmouth Business School in the UK, to help food manufacturers better understand the benefits of developing a closer relationship between their process and product innovation.

KernPack is sponsoring the University’s Product Innovation Research Group to conduct a two-year research study, examining how investments in the production process, including packaging machinery, can impact on the development of new products.

“The study has been designed to reveal more about the benefits of investing in production line machinery for food brands, including how it can help develop new products or reduce time-to-market,” explains Dr Chris Simms, head of Product Innovation Research Group, University of Portsmouth. “While the advantages are known to exist, not much research has been carried out in this area, let alone in the food industry. The research aims to uncover how the benefits work and how they can be implemented.”

All types of food manufacturer will be examined by the research, from artisan start-ups to major, established brands. The findings are expected to help food manufacturers spot opportunities where they can benefit from investing in their production lines.

“Many food manufacturers are missing out on business opportunities by not examining their established production processes, some of which may have been in place for more than 20 years,” says Simms.

“The nature of the industry means the focus is mostly on high efficiency, high volumes and low cost, rather than looking for ways to introduce product innovation. We hope the results of the research will help change this mindset and enable more brands to uncover ways of developing new, attractive products.”

“KernPack is delighted to be linking up with the University of Portsmouth Business School to help try and define some of the lesser-known benefits of investing in production lines, and ultimately help UK food manufacturers grow their business,” concludes Pete Jolley, general manager of KernPack.

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