Feature: How Weetabix and ERIKS eliminate downtime to maximise productivity

Breakfast cereal manufacturer Weetabix continues to elevate its production capabilities through a long-standing and evolving partnership with ERIKS, a leader in industrial services. Together, they manage the complex maintenance and operational needs of Weetabix’s Burton Latimer and Corby sites, where millions of products are produced daily, including the iconic Weetabix biscuits.

At these facilities, where 12 production lines produce an astounding 14.9 million biscuits each day, operational efficiency is paramount. To maintain this high level of productivity, Weetabix relies on a dedicated engineering and maintenance team of 150 people, supported by 40 contractors and 12 onsite ERIKS staff. ERIKS plays a crucial role, managing all purchasing and engineering product spend through the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) stores.

The partnership between Weetabix and ERIKS has been instrumental in sustaining the company’s production output for over two decades. Despite rigorous procurement processes, ERIKS has consistently secured the contract to manage the MRO stores, underlining its position as an indispensable partner to Weetabix.

Picture: Weetabix

In recent years, the partnership has seen significant strategic enhancements. As Weetabix’s production needs have evolved, ERIKS has adapted its approach to ensure seamless support. This has included aligning business strategies between the two companies, with a focus on shared goals and proactive planning.

Among the key improvements introduced by ERIKS is the identification of ‘Priority 1’ requests, which are critical for preventing production line stoppages. By expediting these orders and maintaining direct communication with suppliers, ERIKS has significantly enhanced its ability to keep Weetabix’s production lines running smoothly.

The partnership between Weetabix and ERIKS has centred on improving safety, efficiency and communication. ERIKS has helped Weetabix manage critical safety spares more effectively, introduced new KPIs to track spending and reduce costs, and enhanced communication with regular updates to a shared tracking system.

As Weetabix and ERIKS move forward, their partnership is set to continue evolving, with both companies committed to innovation and operational excellence. This collaborative approach is essential to meeting the challenges of today’s fast-paced production environment, ensuring that Weetabix remains a leader in the breakfast cereal market.

For more information on how ERIKS helps you eliminate downtime visit: ERIKS OnSite Solutions