GEA’s Plug & Play ovens streamline bakery installation and production
For bakers, efficiency and minimizing production downtime are critical in today’s competitive market. GEA has developed an innovative Plug & Play oven system that allows for pre-assembly of oven modules at their Verona, Italy production facility prior to installation at the customer’s site.
For bakers, efficiency and minimizing production downtime are critical in today’s competitive market. GEA has developed an innovative Plug & Play oven system that allows for pre-assembly of oven modules at their Verona, Italy production facility prior to installation at the customer’s site.
“The Plug & Play design speeds up on-site installation dramatically by reducing assembly time, thereby minimizing production downtime,” explained Mario Da Ros, GEA’s Senior Director of Project Management. “Pre-assembling the oven modules at our facility ensures a high-quality, precision installation.”
Engineering time-savings
In developing the Plug & Play system, GEA engineers analyzed the installation of a typical 65m long x 1.2m wide oven. Factoring variables like the conveyor, fuel system and heating type, they estimated a disassembled oven installation would require approximately 45 days. With the pre-assembled Plug & Play approach, that timeline shrinks to just 20 days for the mechanical assembly and electrical connections.
Validated benefits
The time-saving benefits were validated during a recent 124m x 1.6m oven installation in Indonesia. “We were able to stage all 58 pre-assembled modules in just five days, allowing our electrical and mechanical teams to work simultaneously – significantly accelerating the installation,” noted Gianluca Dolci, GEA Senior Director of Project Execution. “That 124m oven installed in four weeks instead of eight.”
Cost reductions
Pre-assembly reduces on-site labour costs by requiring fewer personnel, particularly specialized trades. It also enhances safety by eliminating rock wool insulation handling, lowering PPE needs and isolation requirements.
- For more information, visit: gea.com
