NEWS

The problem of cleaning tenacious residues from the moulds used in cheese manufacturing has been solved comprehensively and effectively by the new range of purpose-designed cheese mould washers from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM). These compact and energy-efficient machines are available with throughput capacities of up to 800 moulds per hour and can accommodate moulds of almost any type, size and shape.

IWM high throughput cheese mould washers are based on the company’s proven range of tunnel-type tray washers which are in widespread use throughout the food-manufacturing sector. The mould washers, however, have up-rated pumps and a specially designed jetting system which ensure that even the most convoluted moulds with intricate perforations are cleaned completely and consistently. For the smaller user, IWM also have a special version of their popular Edi13 ALTA cabinet utensil washer that is perfect for low volume washing of cheese hoops and moulds.

The machines clean the moulds using a process that involves a sustained hot water and detergent jet wash, high temperature hot water rinse followed by a coldwater rinse. The hot water wash and rinse cycles are re-circulated to enhance economy and energy efficiency, and the coldwater rinse, which uses fresh water from the mains, is solenoid controlled so the minimum of water is used consistent with delivering consistently excellent results.

Options are also available for air knife blower systems to remove surplus water or dry the moulds if required.

Because acidic detergents are frequently used in the washing of cheese moulds, the major functional parts of the machines are fabricated from corrosion-resistant T316 stainless steel to guarantee durability. In addition, the whole machine has been carefully designed to minimise maintenance requirements, and to make routine servicing fast, easy and inexpensive.

On the conveyorised models, the system used to transport cheese moulds through the washers is based on a flexible stainless-steel conveyor with adjustable guides. This arrangement allows the machine to be used to wash virtually any type of plastic or stainless-steel cheese mould in common use, as well as all ancillary bands, presses and mould attachments.

IWM cheese mould washing machines are available in standard versions that suit the vast majority of applications, but can also be customised to meet the special requirements of individual users.

One of the most compact and most efficient traywashers currently available, the new Crusader T400e from Industrial Washing Machines Ltd (IWM) has a throughput capacity of 400 trays per hour, yet it costs only around 10% more – depending on the options chosen – than the company’s popular Crusader T200 machine that has a capacity of 200 trays per hour. This makes the new machine an exceptionally cost-effective choice for users with low to medium volume tray washing requirements.

The extremely compact construction of IWM’s new Crusader T400e means that it is easy to accommodate even where space is restricted, while its robust design, low maintenance requirements and high operating efficiency make it is especially economical to run.

Like all IWM Crusader machines, the new T400e washes trays by subjecting them to sustained jetting with hot water and detergent. To support the higher throughput of the T400e, however, the pumps have been upgraded to provide more powerful jetting, and the heating system has been uprated from 24 kW to 36 kW. These changes ensure that, even when working at maximum capacity, the new machines reliably cleanse heavily soiled trays.

For maximum economy, the wash water and detergent are re-circulated via an efficient yet easy to clean filter system. A fresh water rinse is provided, and the rinse water is recovered to the wash tank to minimise water usage from the mains. The new machines also incorporate IWM’s latest tubular hygienic design, which makes them fast and easy to clean, and completely eliminates potential dirt traps.

In addition to its new Crusader T400e tray washer, IWM is also offering a re-modelled T400 version. This is identical to the T400e in all respects except that it incorporates a canopy extension that allows the rinse water to be directed straight to the drain. All models can be supplied on request with steam instead of electrical heating for the washwater. Blow-off and drying sections are optionally available.

The London Olympics will present caterers and food preparation companies with an unrivalled opportunity for profit, says Carl Hollier of Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), but with less than twelve months to go before the games, those companies wishing to take full advantage of this opportunity need to start taking steps now to ensure that they are fully prepared.

Official figures suggest that 180,000 spectators will visit the games every day and many of these will be looking for food and refreshments not just within the Olympic site, but also throughout London and beyond. This means that caterers will inevitably see a big increase in demand and, if they are to maximise their profits they must be ready to handle this increased demand efficiently.

"In a surprising number of food preparation facilities, utensil washing is a major bottleneck," says Carl Hollier. "Washing by hand is time consuming and inefficient, and lack of clean utensils at busy times creates big hold ups, leading to poor service and lost custom. Even worse, when the pressure is on, there is a temptation to skimp on washing, and this inevitably leads to a risk of hygiene problems."

Modern cabinet-style utensil washers from IWM provide a complete and cost-effective solution to these problems, allowing food preparation facilities to maximise their productivity and therefore capitalise on the business opportunities provided by the Olympics.

Carl Hollier warns, however, that although delivery on IWM's popular EDI range of cabinet washers is currently very good, demand is already beginning to increase. Potential users looking to have a cabinet washer installed before the Olympics are, therefore, advised not to delay in contacting the company to discuss their requirements.

Some caterers have expressed a reluctance to invest in new equipment to meet the increased demand that the Olympic Games will undoubtedly generate because they fear that when the games are over, the new equipment will no longer be needed. However, official estimates reveal that the games are expected to deliver a long lasting boost to tourist numbers in the UK, with large increases forecast through to at least 2017. The new equipment is, therefore, sure to have a long, useful and productive life.

EDI cabinet washers from IWM are available in five sizes, ensuring that there is a model to suit the needs of every user. They feature compact construction and combine excellent washing performance with high energy efficiency and low running costs.

When changing requirements made it necessary for Cavaghan & Gray, one of the UK's largest producers of chilled foods, to replace an existing combination bin and tray washer, the company chose new equipment from the same supplier – Industrial Washing Machines (IWM). The decision to buy from IWM was based not only on the exemplary performance of the old machine, which was still working well after more than 100,000 hours of operation, but also on the high specification and competitive pricing of the replacement package that IWM was offering.

The original machine is one of 20 various washing machines that IWM has supplied to Cavaghan & Gray over the years, a division of Northern Foods, for use at its large-scale food preparation plant in Carlisle. It was originally designed to be a dual-function machine capable of washing both BOC plastic distribution crates and 200-litre Eurobins, which was a major innovation for the time, when single-function washers were the norm.

The site's washing requirements have, however, evolved substantially since the machine was supplied, and it was no longer sufficiently versatile to meet the current needs. After a closely contested competitive tendering process, Cavaghan & Gray ordered its replacement from IWM.

The new machine is a custom-designed multifunction tray washer that is based on the tried and tested IWM High Care Design. Developed specifically to meet the most demanding of food industry requirements, this includes pre-wash, hot water detergent wash, high temperature rinse and a sanitising function. The new machine has a mesh belt conveyor that can accommodate all types of trays, wheeled dollies, baking sheets and plastic crates.

To achieve this level of versatility, IWM has developed a unique and ingenious hold-down system to secure items to the conveyor during the washing process. To minimise environmental impact, routine maintenance requirements and running costs, the new machine also incorporates a high-efficiency rotary filter that keeps the wash water cleaner for longer.

"As always, IWM came up with a customised design that exactly matches our needs at a very attractive price," said Cameron MacIntosh of Northern Foods. "Installation went very smoothly and the machine is fully living up to our expectations in terms of washing performance, throughput and ease of use. The flexibility of the machine is exceptional and delivers real operational benefits as it will handle almost anything we load into it!"

Papa Johns, the world's third largest pizza chain, is now using fresh dough exclusively for all pizzas sold by its fast growing UK operation. Equipment supplied by Industrial Washing Machines has played a key role in facilitating the production of fresh dough.

Papa Johns is dedicated to producing quality pizzas using the best ingredients, and the company is clear that one such ingredient is fresh pizza dough, rather than the frozen dough used by many of its competitors. Handling fresh dough is, however, significantly more challenging than handling the frozen product.

From its new plant in Milton Keynes, which has been specifically set up to prepare and supply pizza ingredients of the highest quality for the UK market, Papa Johns despatches fresh dough on trays to its franchisees throughout the country. After the dough has been used, the empty trays are returned to the plant, where they are washed and sterilised ready for immediate re-use.

Because of the sticky nature of fresh dough and the fast turnaround needed for the trays, the requirements for the washing and sterilising processes are more than usually onerous. For help in meeting these requirements efficiently, reliably and cost effectively, Keith Bingham, engineering consultant for the whole of the new Papa Johns plant, approached Industrial Washing Machines (IWM).

"I've worked with IWM on many previous projects," said Keith Bingham, "and I've always been favourably impressed by the performance of the company's products and by their excellent value for money."

"In addition, IWM has wide expertise in the design of washing machines, and is always amenable to customising its products so that they meet the end user's exact requirements. Importantly, this customisation is carried out at modest cost, and without significantly affecting deliveries."

For the new Papa Johns factory, IWM supplied a custom-designed two-lane tray washer with an integrated drier. The machine has a nominal maximum capacity of 1,000 trays per hour to allow for future increase in demand.

To ensure maximum washing efficiency with effective and dependable removal of the dough residue from even the most heavily soiled trays, the machine uses sustained jetting with hot water and detergent throughout the wash cycle. For maximum economy, the wash water is recirculated from a heated tank, and effective filtration is provided as an aid to reducing the frequency of water changes needed.

Special provisions are also made for hot-air drying, as it is imperative that the trays are bone dry when they are delivered to the dough production line.

"The machine was ordered at the end of November, and was manufactured to our requirements and delivered to site by the first week of February," said Keith Bingham. "This is excellent service, especially given that this period includes the Christmas break. Only a very few minor changes were needed at the pre-delivery inspection, and the machine was straightforward to install and commission. In short, IWM provided an excellent machine backed with great service."

The IWM tray washer at Papa Johns Milton Keynes plant has now been in daily use for almost six months, and it is fully meeting the company's requirements in every respect. It dependably delivers clean dry trays, it is easily able to meet and sustain the necessary high rate of throughput, it is economical in operation and it is proving to be exceptionally reliable.

A customised cabinet washer, developed and supplied by Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), is helping a leading turbocharger manufacturer to achieve and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness in its production operations.

The new washer is used to clean the plastic tubs that transport small components for commercial vehicle turbochargers between the various processes involved in their manufacture. Keeping these tubs scrupulously clean ensures that there is no risk of these critical precision-engineered components becoming contaminated or soiled.

Approached by the manufacturer to develop a machine for this application, engineers at IWM faced the special challenge of having to deal with soiling on the tubs that could include oils of various types and, in some cases, heavy grease. They determined that the best and most economical solution would be provided by a highly customised version of the company's popular EDi 13 cabinet washer.

This is a well-proven machine designed for manual batch loading. All major components, including the body of the machine, are manufactured from stainless steel to ensure durability. Revolving wash and rinse arms are provided to ensure optimum cleaning efficiency, and the machine features easy extraction wash racks for fast convenient loading and unloading. An intuitive operator interface panel is provided that uses a membrane keyboard to ensure IP67 protection against the ingress of water and dust.

After carefully analysing the requirements and examining samples of the tubs to be cleaned, IWM modified its standard design to include a fine particulate filter system, and a skimmer to remove oil residues from the wash water. The control system was also customised to meet the user's requirements, including provision for the wash water to be preheated automatically prior to the start of a shift so that the machine would be ready for immediate use.

To meet exacting safety standards, IWM additionally provided an automatic locking mechanism for the washer door, which ensures the door cannot be opened accidentally while the washer is in operation. To minimise maintenance requirements and to ensure a long reliable service life, the machine also features an integral water conditioner that guards against the build up of scale. The customised EDi 13 cabinet washed supplied by IWM employs a hot wash cycle using a low-foam detergent specifically formulated for use in the automotive industry, followed by a hot rinse. After the tubs have been rinsed, they are retained in the machine for an adjustable dwell period to allow them to dry naturally before being returned to use.

"The machine is ideal for our environment as it's compact, easy to set up and easy to use. We're confident that it will be a big asset in our constant quest to ensure that our products always offer the highest possible quality and best possible performance," said the Senior Shift Leader.

Industrial Washing Machines Limited
Stand A28
Pro2Pac Show
ExCel London
13 – 16 March 2011

Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) will give a European premier to its latest edition of sanitising tunnels and its new innovative EDi utensil washer with heat pump technology at Pro2Pac Show 2011.

The new entry-level Econosan model has been developed specifically to offer dependable and effective sanitisation at an exceptionally attractive price and is suitable for sanitising produce in buckets, bags, tins and trays.

The Econosan conveys the produce through a tunnel where a solution of sanitising fluid in mains water is misted onto the items from top, bottom and sides. The speed of transit through the tunnel can be set and easily adjusted to operate at between one and four metres per minute, according to the user's requirements.

Also on display at the show is IWM's new innovative heat pump technology, which can now reduce by more than 60% the energy needed to heat the water used in the wash tanks of its popular EDI series of utensil washers. In addition, steam emission from the machines is virtually eliminated, which means that further big savings can be made on the extraction systems used to vent the machines to atmosphere, and that there is no build up of humidity or heat in the rooms where the machines are used.

Throughout the exhibition, expert engineers from the IWM applications team will on hand, and will be pleased not only to discuss the benefits of the company's products, but also to provide advice and guidance to exhibition visitors on the best and most economical ways of addressing their own specific requirements.

With a throughput of up to 100 pallets per hour, increased washing efficiency and enhanced construction, the new P100 pallet washers from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) set new standards for performance, efficiency and operational convenience. Developed from IWM's popular P25 series of pallet washers, the new machines share their predecessors' space-saving compact design, environmentally friendly energy efficient operation and exceptionally competitive pricing.

The new P100 machines can optionally be supplied with an economical high-efficiency single-stage drying system that uses an air knife to deliver pallets that are, in almost all applications, dry enough for immediate re-use. Multi-stage driers are also available for applications where total dryness must be assured.

The maximum throughput of the new machines has been increased by a factor of four compared with IWM's older models, making them suitable for use in even the busiest of environments. Higher power pumps for the washing system have also been incorporated. These produce more powerful jets with increased volume, which offer enhanced washing performance that is particularly useful when dealing with heavily soiled pallets.

The overall design of the machine has also been upgraded to maintain its robustness, ensuring that it will have a long reliable life even in tough operating conditions, while eliminating flat surfaces, joins and creases in its construction, making it easier to clean and improving its hygienic characteristics. These improved characteristics make the new machine particularly well suited for applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Like all IWM pallet washers, the new P100 models have been designed from the outset to be economical in their use of water and energy, thereby minimising their environmental impact and running costs. Water and detergent are recirculated from a heated tank to provide economical operation of the sustained jet washing system used to clean the pallets and, in standard machines, the cold-water rinse incorporates precision solenoid valve control to ensure efficient use of water from the mains.

In addition to providing drying sections, IWM offers a wide range of other customisation options for its new P100 pallet washers. Examples include hot water and/or chemically assisted rinsing, extended conveyor infeed and outfeed systems, and stacking/destacking facilities.

P100 pallet washers, whether standard or customised, are manufactured entirely in the UK and are available on short deliveries. Based on proven technology, they are keenly priced and are backed by IWM's renowned maintenance and support services.

The unique design of the new EC20-30 single-stage cabinet-type bin washer from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) ensures that the whole of the bin – including the wheels – is thoroughly washed, making it easy for users to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness.

IWM's new washer, which is the latest addition to the highly successful EC20 range, offers exceptional versatility. It is compatible with Eurobins as well as Vemag skips and buggies, and it accommodates both 200 litre and 300 litre bins without the need for any operator adjustments. The machine is also suitable for use with the 400lb and 600lb dump buggies that are widely used in the USA.

To deliver its comprehensive cleaning performance, the EC20-30 fully inverts the bin and washes the inside with a high velocity rotating spray manifold, while the outside is washed simultaneously with a full surround jetting system. The powerful 15 kW pump fitted to the machine ensures that all of the washing actions are both vigorous and thorough.

The new machines are equipped with a flexible control system that provides a high level of automation and allows the wash cycle to be optimally matched to the user's requirements. Running costs and environmental impact are minimised by re-circulating the wash water from a heated tank via an efficient rotary filtration system that reduces the need for water changes.

As standard, the machines are configured for a cold rinse, using a solenoid-controlled supply of fresh water from the mains. Options for hot and/or chemically assisted rinsing are, however, available.

EC20-30 bin washers are constructed from stainless steel throughout to ensure long life, and they feature a robust streamlined design that is not only hygienic, but also allows easy access to all areas for cleaning and maintenance. The machines are manufactured entirely in the UK and are available on short deliveries. Based on proven technology, they are competitively priced and are backed by IWM's renowned maintenance and support services.

Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), one of the UK's most innovative manufacturers of washing and sanitising equipment, is celebrating the completion of its 1,000th machine since they moved to their present premises, almost 14 years ago. And the very first machine supplied by the company from these premises – serial number 0001 – is still performing to specification and is still in daily use. The 1,000th machine, a T200 traywasher, is destined to wash distribution crates for a grocery supply company in Lancashire.

"Right from the outset, delivering quality and value for money have always been a key objective for us," said Carl Hollier, managing director of IWM, "and I believe that the longevity of Machine 0001 is an excellent demonstration that we're meeting these objectives. The machine has a hard life – it's a tray washer in a chicken hatchery; day in, day out it has to clean trays that are heavily soiled with chicken droppings."

"Despite this, the machine has proved to be consistently reliable and it's still working well. This is, however, a typical example of longevity among our products. In fact, the vast majority of the thousand machines we've supplied over the last 14 years are still in service today, and those that aren't have generally been retired because the user's requirements have changed rather than because of any falling off in performance."

Supplying 1,000 machines over the last 14 years equates to an average production rate of six machines per month, every single month. The company is justly proud of this achievement, especially as the period covered includes more than a year of the present deep recession, which left most UK manufacturers struggling for orders.

The company reports that, while six machines a month is its historical average, its current production rate is substantially higher and estimate that machine 2,000 will be delivered in 2017. In addition to the reputation it has established for the quality and durability of its products, it is also committed to innovation. It has, for example, recently introduced machines that save energy by washing with cold water, and heat pumps that recycle energy that would otherwise be wasted in hot-wash machines.

"We listen to our customers and work hard to give them what they want," said Carl Hollier, "and this approach is clearly working for us. Not only is our thousandth machine already on its way to the end user – we have orders for many more on our books from companies operating in all industries around the world."

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The latest addition to the popular range of sanitising tunnels from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) is the new entry-level Econosan model, which has been developed specifically to offer dependable and effective sanitisation at an exceptionally attractive price point.

Suitable for sanitising produce in buckets, bags, tins and trays up to a maximum size of 450 mm wide by 450 mm high, the Econosan conveys the produce through a tunnel where a solution of sanitising fluid in mains water is misted onto the items from top, bottom and sides. The speed of transit through the tunnel can be set and easily adjusted to operate at between one and four metres per minute, according to the user’s requirements.

The machine is arranged for manual loading and unloading, at a comfortably safe working height. After sanitising, items are discharged onto a small outfeed table. This is equipped with a photoelectric sensing and control system that stops the conveyor when the table is full and restarts it automatically when the items are removed.

Econosan sanitisers are available in two versions: one uses fresh water supplies for all sanitising operations while the other re-circulates the water, and uses mains water only for make up. Both models are designed to be simple and economical to use, and to require a minimum of maintenance.

They feature solenoid-controlled proportional injector pumps to ensure efficient and accurate dosing of sanitising fluid and incorporate bayonet fitting spray tips that can be removed easily for cleaning or replacement. The body of the machines is fabricated throughout from T304/316 stainless steel, and their robust streamlined design allows easy access to all areas for routine cleaning – including a newly designed removable top canopy cover.

All machines comply fully with relevant UK and EU standards, and all are CE assessed and certified prior to shipment. They are supplied complete with detailed instruction and maintenance manuals.

By using innovative heat pump technology, Industrial Washing Machines Ltd (IWM) can now reduce by more than 60% the energy needed to heat the water used in the wash tanks of its popular EDI series of utensil washers. In addition, steam emission from the machines is virtually eliminated, which means that further big savings can be made on the extraction systems used to vent the machines to atmosphere, and that there is no build up of humidity or heat in the rooms where the machines are used.

The heat pumps used with IWM’s EDI utensil washers are essentially devices for moving heat from a body at a low temperature to a body at a higher temperature. They work on exactly the same principle as an ordinary domestic refrigerator, which takes heat from the food inside and moves it into the warmer air of the room in which the refrigerator is working.

IWM’s new HP2 and HP3 heat pumps extract heat that would otherwise be wasted from the air surrounding the machine, and ultimately from the warm air that is produced by the utensil washer when it is operating. The heat is used to raise the temperature of the water in the wash tank, which means that no other form of tank heating is needed.

Taking into account the energy used by the heat pump itself, this arrangement allows energy savings of 60% or more to be achieved. This means that operating costs for the utensil washer are greatly reduced, along with the machine’s environmental impact. The payback period depends on the operating conditions of the machine and the price the user pays for energy, but IWM has calculated that in a typical application, the additional cost of the heat pump will be recovered in around two years.

HP2 heat pumps are suitable for use with IWM’s EDI 6 and EDI 8 utensil washers, while the HP3 model is intended for use with the larger capacity EDI 13 and EDI 13 ALTA machines. HP2 and HP3 heat pumps are compact units that are readily accommodated on top of the utensil washer, so no additional floor space is needed. They are available as an option on all new utensil washers, and can be retrofitted by IWM to existing machines.

For organisations that use both Dolav and Eurobin containers, Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) is now offering a versatile money-saving combination container washer. This innovative machine can wash any mix of Dolav and Eurobin containers at a rate of up to 40 per hour, thereby making it unnecessary to use separate machines for each type of container, even in high volume applications.

Not only does this mean big savings in initial costs, since only one machine needs to be purchased rather than two, running and maintenance costs are also significantly reduced. In addition, because of the small footprint of the combination machine, large space savings are possible.

Ideally suited for applications involving food debris, combination container washers use sustained jetting with hot water and detergent to guarantee effective and dependable cleaning. Running costs and environmental impact are minimised by recirculating the wash water from a heated tank, and by using an efficient rotary filtration system that reduces the need for water changes.

The machines can be supplied configured for electrical, gas or steam heating, according to the users requirements. As standard, all versions employ a cold rinse using a solenoid-controlled fresh waster supply from the mains. Options for heated and chemically assisted rinsing are also available.

Like all products from IWM, the new combination container washers have been designed to offer a long service life and to require a minimum of maintenance. Spare parts are inexpensive and easy to change and, for maximum user convenience, they can be ordered directly from the IWM website – www.indwash.co.uk.

Already one of the UK’s largest and most successful suppliers of washing and sanitising equipment for industrial and commercial applications, Birmingham-based Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) is now making inroads into the demanding United States market.

IWM has entered into a partnership agreement with CM Processing Solutions, an established provider of services to the food processing industry with its headquarters in California, and this agreement has already resulted in the sale of two IWM machines - EC20 Eurobin Washer and a continuous traywash system to users in the USA.

“We always design and manufacture our machines to meet the highest international standards,” said Carl Hollier, Managing Director of IWM, “and we’ve been very successful in achieving export sales to Europe and many other parts of the world. However, even with the right products and the right prices, the USA is a tough market to crack unless you have high-quality local representation.”

“That’s exactly what CM Processing Solutions is providing, and we’re confident that as a result, these very gratifying initial sales will be followed up by a regular flow of orders. That’s not only good for our new American partner but also for us, as it will support our investment in UK manufacturing.”

“We’re delighted to be working with IWM,” said Mark Corser, CEO of CM Processing Solutions. “We have a strong reputation for supplying equipment that offer outstanding value for money while meeting the most exacting requirements for quality and performance, and the IWM products most certainly tick all of these boxes. In addition, they’re well suited to the needs of North American users, and they ideally complement our existing product range. In short, we predict a big future for IWM products in the USA.”

Both companies will be exhibiting at PROCESS EXPO, 18-20 July at McCormick Place, Chicago. Visit Booth 14026 to discuss the benefits of the companies products, but also to gain advice and guidance on the best and most economical ways of addressing your own specific requirements.

Industrial Washing Machines Limited
Stand N039 Hall 5
Foodex 2010 National Exhibition Centre
21 – 24 March 2010

At this year’s Foodex, IWM is focussing not only on the efficiency and low lifetime cost of its renowned industrial washing and sanitisation systems, but also on their outstanding environmental credentials.

The stand features a tray washer and cabinet washer from the company’s extensive range of standard and custom products, all of which incorporate recirculating systems specifically designed to help minimise environmental impact.

Of special interest on the stand is the latest Edi13 ALTA utensil washer, which has become the first machines of their type to appear on the government’s water technology list. This means that they automatically qualify for the ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowances) scheme, allowing 100% of their capital cost can be offset against corporation tax in the first year.

Also on show is the award winning Crusader T400 Twin Tank tray washer, which offers an efficient two stage cleaning process. The first stage provides continuous jetting with hot water and detergent, and the second continuous jetting with hot water only. A cold rinse is also provided, and a range of blow-off and heat drying options are available.

Throughout the exhibition, expert engineers from the IWM applications team will on hand, and will be pleased not only to discuss the benefits of the company’s products, but also to provide advice and guidance to exhibition visitors on the best and most economical ways of addressing their own specific requirements.

If reduced operating costs, improved environmental performance and enhanced customer satisfaction are what you most want for your company this Christmas, Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) could have just the Christmas gift you’re looking for! The company currently has limited stocks of new and refurbished washing machines available for immediate delivery and, as a generous Christmas gesture to customers past, present and future, it is offering them at deeply discounted prices for orders placed before December 24th.

And, for customers that have already bought IWM machines and prefer to spend the Christmas shutdown period catching up on a spot of routine maintenance rather than arguing with their family and watching endless repeats on the television, the company is also offering pre-holiday despatch for all spares and consumables ordered by December 21.

The machines covered by IWM's Christmas offer include San 100 compact freestanding sanitisers, refurbished Crusader 100 traywashers and brand new Crusader T400 traywashers that offer a throughput of up to 400 trays per hour. Like all IWM machines, those on offer have been designed to combine the highest levels of washing and sanitising performance with ease of use, low running costs, reliability and minimal environmental impact.

With the capacity to wash up to 40 racks per hour, the new R40 rackwasher from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) is an ideal and cost-effective choice for cleaning and sanitising racks in high-volume applications, such as those found in food smoking operations.

Designed to combine compact construction with high efficiency and low running costs, the R40 uses an automatically timed wash and rinse cycle that eliminates unnecessary water and energy usage.

The cabinet-type R40 machines are available in standard floor-mounting versions or in pit-mounting versions that incorporate the novel sealed-pit technology which IWM has developed to maximise hygiene. The machines can be supplied in single-door versions for washing one rack at time, and in two-door versions for straight-through washing operations.

All versions provide complete and effective washing, even for racks with heavy soiling, by using sustained jetting with hot water and detergent during the wash cycle. IWM’s unique travelling jet system ensures that maximum pressure is delivered from the high power wash jets to all areas of the racks being washed. For maximum economy, the wash water is recirculated from a heated tank, and effective filtration is provided as an aid to reducing the frequency of water changes needed.

For typical applications, the new R40 rackwashers from Industrial Washing Machines are supplied with a cold rinse system that uses fresh water from the mains supply. Solenoid control ensures that water usage is kept to a minimum. For special applications, and particularly those where rapid drying is needed, the machines are alternatively offered with a hot rinse system that uses water from an additional heated tank.

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Industrial Washing Machines Limited
Stand E45 Hall 5
PPMA Show
National Exhibition Centre
29 September – 1 October 2009

At this year’s PPMA Show, IWM is focussing not only on the efficiency and low lifetime cost of its renowned industrial washing and sanitisation systems, but also on their outstanding environmental credentials.

The stand features a tray washer and cabinet washer from the company’s extensive range of standard and custom products, all of which incorporate recirculating systems specifically designed to help minimise environmental impact.

Of special interest on the stand is the latest Edi13 ALTA utensil washer, which has become the first machines of their type to appear on the government’s water technology list. This means that they automatically qualify for the ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowances) scheme, allowing 100% of their capital cost can be offset against corporation tax in the first year.

Also on show is the award winning Crusader T400 Twin Tank tray washer, which offers an efficient two stage cleaning process. The first stage provides continuous jetting with hot water and detergent, and the second continuous jetting with hot water only. A cold rinse is also provided, and a range of blow-off and heat drying options are available.

Throughout the exhibition, expert engineers from the IWM applications team will on hand, and will be pleased not only to discuss the benefits of the company’s products, but also to provide advice and guidance to exhibition visitors on the best and most economical ways of addressing their own specific requirements.

With the demand for its high-quality food products continuously growing, one of the largest pork producers in Europe, found that it needed to upgrade the tray and rack washing systems at its plant.

After looking at washing equipment from a number of suppliers, the company decided that a custom-designed machine from IWM would offer substantial benefits, including space savings, economy, efficiency, low environmental impact and versatility.

The pork producer’s requirements for its new washing equipment were far from trivial. The new installation had to be able to handle both racks and trays. In addition, since the trays are primarily used for baking pork pies and pasties, the new installation had to be able to remove tough carbonised deposits reliably.

In the past, the pork producer washed the racks with an old machine that was becoming increasingly unreliable. The company dealt with the problem of cleaning hard baked food deposits from the trays by soaking them in detergent solution, and then cleaning them manually. Not only was this process slow and labour intensive, it also made inefficient use of both energy and water.

With the exception of IWM, the other potential suppliers proposed the use of separate machines for washing the racks and the trays. After carefully evaluating the requirements, and visiting the site to inspect and carry out tests on samples, IWM proposed a single dual-purpose washing machine that would perform both functions.

This groundbreaking approach offered important benefits. The cost of a single machine is lower than that of two separate machines. In addition, the dual-purpose machine is more economical to run, as only one tank of water needs to be heated.

Finally, the machine takes up much less valuable space in the factory than two separate machines.

The custom designed machine that IWM supplied has the capacity to wash 60 racks and 800 trays per hour, and provides completely independent control over the rack and tray washing processes. The performance of the machine has been optimised so that the trays contained in a full rack can be washed in about the same that it takes to wash the rack itself.

“Thanks to IWM’s clear understanding of our requirements, every stage of our new washing machine project went exceptionally smoothly,” said the Hygiene Manager for the site. “The installation was carried out during a planned shutdown period, so on-time delivery was essential and the time available for work was strictly limited,” they continued. “IWM hit every target and even had time to spare!”

The machine has now been in continuous use for several months, and is delivering results that meet or exceed its requirements in every respect. As expected, it is proving economical in terms of energy and water usage, and the standard of cleanliness achieved is at all times exceptional.

Big energy savings are now possible with tray washers from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), following the completion of successful trials of a new cold wash process developed by the company working in conjunction with a specialist detergent supplier. The process uses wash water at temperatures close to ambient, yet delivers results that are indistinguishable from normal high temperature washing.

In a typical installation, with a machine that runs just 20 hours per week, the new process has the potential to cut energy costs by as much as £20,000 per year, as well as reducing the environmental impact of the washing operations.

To confirm the effectiveness of the cold wash process, IWM has carried out extensive trials in conjunction with A F Blakemore, a major user of distribution crates for the transport of packaged grocery items and loose vegetables. Most of the crates selected for the trial had light soiling consisting principally of dust and traffic film, but some had heavy soil deposits.

The crates were washed in one of IWM’s popular twin-lane T1500 machines, which has a capacity of 1,500 crates per hour. The detergent used was specially formulated by an IWM specialist chemical partner for use in the cold wash process.

In all cases, the cold washing trial produced results that, after carrying out detailed inspections, A F Blakemore’s operating personnel confirmed were as good as, or better than, the results obtained with standard detergents at the high temperatures normally used for washing. After low-temperature washing, the crates were clean, glossy in appearance and almost completely dry.

“We’re very impressed both with the washing performance and the potential for savings, which fully live up to IWM’s claims,” said Dave Higgs of A F Blakemore, “and, of course, we’re delighted that we’re able to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. IWM’s new cold wash process is undoubtedly a major step forward in the industrial hygiene sector.”

IWM’s new cold wash process works at a nominal wash temperature of 25ºC. In practice, this means that minimal heating of the feed water is needed initially, with the temperature of the washing solution subsequently being maintained by heat generated from the machine’s pumps.

The process affects neither the throughput nor the capacity of the machines that use it. It will be offered as standard with all new tray washers from IWM, and can also be readily adopted by users of existing IWM tray wash machines.

With the new online spares shop which has now been added to the Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) website, identifying and ordering spares for the company’s products is a simple and convenient process that takes just minutes. The online shop also means that users of IWM machines have access to the spares ordering facility 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The IWM online shop incorporates an intuitive search feature that makes it easy to identify the item required and, for maximum user security and convenience, the shop accepts instant payments made via Google Checkout, which supports all major credit and debit cards, as well as pre-arranged accounts.

The extensive IWM spares range includes not only consumable items such as filters, but also replacement parts that might be needed for machines that have been in service for long periods.

For every item in this extensive catalogue, the new online shop shows a picture, which aids final confirmation that the correct item has been selected, together with one-off and, where applicable, quantity pricing. The packaging quantity is also shown along with the estimated delivery time, which, for most items, is next day.

Once users of the online spares shop have selected the items they need, they are given the opportunity to review and, if necessary, amend their order.

The new IWM online spares shop can be found on the company’s website, at www.indwash.co.uk. The website also provides full details of the IWM product range, including machines that are have been included on the government’s water technology list in recognition of their outstanding environmental performance.

Space saving compact construction, environmentally friendly energy efficient operation and exceptionally competitive pricing are key features of the latest range of high-performance pallet washers from Industrial Washing Machines (IWM).

These versatile machines, which have an exceptionally high throughput to size ratio, support continuous operation and can be supplied in both manual and conveyor fed versions. They are suitable for applications in a wide range of industries, including the food, pharmaceutical, logistics and automotive sectors.

In addition to the standard P100 pallet washer in its range, which are available with throughput capacities of up to 100 pallets per hour, IWM also offers fully customised machines matched to the user’s exact requirements.

As well as being adapted to suit specific sizes and types of pallet, customised machines can, for example, incorporate specialist de-stacking, loading, unloading and re-stacking options to provide fully automatic operation. Drying systems, which enable the machines to deliver washed pallets ready for immediate re-use, can also be provided.

All IWM pallet washers are designed from the outset to minimise energy and water usage, thereby reducing both running costs and environmental impact. Recirculation of water and detergent from a heated wash tank ensures economical operation of the sustained jetting system used to clean the pallets, while precise solenoid-control for the fresh rinse guarantees efficient use of water drawn from the mains.

To complement its high-performance pallet washers, IWM also offers pallet box washers and Dolav washing machines. In addition, the company can supply combination tray and pallet washers, which are a particularly attractive cost- and space-saving option for users that do not require the higher throughput capacity offered by separate machines.

Despite the present tough economic conditions worldwide, Birmingham-based Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) has been successful in securing orders for no fewer than ten new machines in the last two months, almost half of which are destined for export to Spain, Canada and Poland.

These orders correspond to a growth in sales of more than 75% in value terms compared with the same period in 2008, which is a remarkable achievement at a time when most UK manufacturers are reporting a sustained downturn in business.

Among the machines currently on order from IWM are a custom weigh pan washer that the company believes is the only system in the world capable of washing and drying a full set of weigh pans, a specially designed wheelie bin washer, several cabinet utensil washers for use in the confectionary industry, crate washers, and a new type of sanitary bin washer for medical applications.

“In the present economic climate, potential purchasers of washing machines are looking more closely than ever at value for money and low lifetime costs,” said Carl Hollier, Managing Director of IWM, “and our equipment delivers in both of these crucial areas. We’ve got a wide range of standard products that have a great reputation for efficiency, reliability and low running costs, and we also design and manufacture tailor-made machines at very attractive prices.”

“These factors, complemented by excellent references from existing customers and our established track record for successful innovation and impeccable customer support are among the main reasons for the strong growth in demand for our products,” he continued. “And I’m pleased to say although I’m not being complacent that there is every indication that this growth will be sustained – we have many more significant orders in the pipeline.”

Despite the company’s high order input in recent months, IWM is continuing with ongoing improvements to its operations to maintain availability of it’s standard range on short delivery times.

Tray washers supplied by Industrial Washing Machines Ltd (IWM) are playing a major role in helping A F Blakemore & Son, the principal supplier to more than 700 Spar grocery stores in England and Wales, to minimise the environmental impact of its operations. The key is the use of reusable plastic trays for deliveries to the stores, in place of the disposable cardboard cartons previously used.

“We started to consider making the move to trays about three years ago,” said Marc Deakin, General Manager at A F Blakemore, “but one of the issues we had to address was keeping the trays clean. With a small number of trays, manual or subcontract washing might have been an option, but, if the changeover was successful, we would be handling tens of thousands of trays per week.”

“In-house washing was the logical option,” he continued, “and we were fortunate enough to have IWM recommended to us as potential supplier by an existing satisfied user of the company’s equipment.”

After carefully evaluating A F Blakemore’s requirements at that time, IWM recommended the installation of a Crusader T600 tray washer. This has a maximum capacity of 600 trays per hour, and provides sustained jetting with hot water and detergent to ensure thorough cleaning. For economy, and to help protect the environment, the detergent solution is recirculated from a heating wash tank, using a powerful energy-efficient 7.5 kW pump.

The Crusader T600 machine also provides solenoid-controlled cold-water rinse from the mains and, in the A F Blakemore installation, it is fitted with a single blow-off section to remove excess water from the trays and assist with drying.

“Not only was our T600 machine efficient and reliable,” said Marc Deakin, “we also received outstanding service from IWM at every stage of the project.”

“It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that this year, when our tray scheme had grown in popularity to the point we needed greater tray washing capacity, IWM was the only company we considered.”

The new machine is the much larger Crusader T1500, which has a nominal throughput of 1500 trays per hour split over two conveyorised lanes. It shares many of the features of the Crusader T600, but adds post-wash sustained jetting with hot water for even more effective detergent removal and, if the 85ºC water temperature option is used, a high level of sanitisation.

The Crusader T1500 is modular, allowing its configuration to be precisely matched to the end user’s needs. For A F Blakemore, two blow-off sections are fitted, plus one heated section to allow a proportion of the pallets to be delivered fully dry and ready for immediate use.

IWM further customised the A F Blakemore T1500 by re-designing the standard in-feed system so that it would accept trays from a raised platform rather than from ground level.

“The team from IWM provided superb service throughout,” said Marc Deakin, “and were very flexible and helpful in customising the machine to suit the needs layout of our particular site. The machine was also delivered exactly when we needed it to fit in with the rest of our expansion activities.”

Such is the success of its tray scheme that A F Blakemore currently owns around 120,000 trays, 30,000 of which pass through the depot and require washing every week. With the trays playing such a large role in the company’s business, lack of availability through the failure of a washing machine is unthinkable.

“I’m very happy to report that the equipment from IWM has proved exceptionally reliable,” said Marc Deakin. “The machines are clearly designed to deliver long dependable service lives, they’re robust and they’re a very well built.”

Thanks to its move to tray-based deliveries, which has to a large extent been made possible by the reliability and performance of the tray washers, A F Blakemore is now able to re-cycle more than 89% of its waste.

And there’s a further big benefit – since the company’s suppliers now pack their goods in trays loaned to them by A F Blakemore, they save money on not having to buy cardboard boxes. A proportion of these savings have been passed on to A F Blakemore, so it would be very easy to argue that the tray washers will, in fact, pay for themselves over a very short period of time!

The latest EDi range of utensil washers from Industrial Washing Machines Ltd. (IWM) not only save users money by their efficient use of water and energy, they have also been added to the government’s Water Technology List that recognises products that protect the environment by saving water.

Their appearance on the list means that IWM’s popular range of utensil washers qualify for the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme operated by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Therefore, 100% of their capital cost can be offset against corporation tax in the first year. This is an important benefit for users, as without their successful inclusion on DEFRA’s Water Technology List, it could take eight years for users to obtain full tax relief.

Currently the only products of their kind to qualify for the ECA scheme on the basis of efficient water usage, IWM’s utensil washers are ideally suited to meet all the general washing requirements of the bakery, butchery, ice cream, catering and food manufacturing industry sectors.

The whole range boasts a compact and hygienic totally stainless steel construction, and incorporate a novel integrated recirculation system that minimises water usage. This design is complemented by a sophisticated electronic control system that not only makes the machines safe, easy and convenient to operate, but also optimises energy efficiency.

The new EDi cabinet utensil washers from IWM guarantee that the highest standards of cleanliness are consistently met, thereby eliminating rewashing and the risk of costly product contamination. Compared with manual washing or the use of conventional washing machines they also offer large savings in labour costs. The total cost of purchasing and installing these machines is, therefore, typically recouped in just a few months – a period which is now made even shorter by the tax benefits of the ECA scheme.

Industrial Washing Machines (IWM), the UK's leading innovator in industrial washing technology, has won the prestigious award for best Environmental Initiative at the Food Processing Awards 2009.

The award, which was won in the face of stiff competition, recognises IWM's achievements in producing the first utensil washer to appear in the government's Water Technology List, and also in installing a tray washer system for A F Blakemore & Son, which has resulted in a dramatic 89% reduction in waste.

"We're absolutely delighted to have won this award," said Carl Hollier, "as we have put a huge amount of effort over many years into developing ways of protecting the environment, and into helping our customers minimise the environmental impact of their operations. It's really gratifying to have these efforts rewarded by our colleagues in the food industry."

The inclusion of IWM's EDi utensil washers in the government's Water Technology List – a contributory factor in winning the award – means that the machines qualify for the Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) scheme operated by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). As a result, 100% of their capital cost can be offset against corporation tax in the first year. This is an important benefit for users, as it could otherwise take eight years to obtain full tax relief.

Currently the only products of their kind to qualify for the ECA scheme on the basis of efficient water usage, IWM's utensil washers are ideally suited to meet all the general washing requirements of the bakery, butchery, ice cream, catering and food manufacturing industry sectors.

The second factor that helped IWM to win the award was its work with A F Blakemore & Son, the principal supplier to more than 700 Spar grocery stores in England and Wales. Here, the installation of IWM's efficient and dependable washing machines has made possible the use of reusable plastic trays for deliveries to the stores, instead of disposable cardboard cartons. The resulting reduction in environmental impact is substantial and on going.

Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) has published a new and extensively updated version of its spare parts catalogue, making it an indispensable resource for everyone who specifies, purchases or uses high quality washing equipment. Details of over 26 different families of spare parts – from wash nozzles to extraction fan units – are included in the new catalogue.

The 22-page colour catalogue provides easy-to-navigate content and, for every product range, it offers a short overview, with ordering information, delivery details and photographs to easily identify products.

Carl Hollier, managing director at IWM comments: “The service and support we offer to our customers is continuously expanding and improving, and this year is no exception. The 2008 spares catalogue is just one of many initiatives we are implementing to offer an even more efficient service. We are also currently re-designing our website and have recently launched a new machine servicing programme to suit all our customers requirements”.

Copies of the new catalogue is available in print or electronic form and can be obtained by calling IWM on 0121 459 9511, emailing spares@indwash.co.uk or by downloading from www.indwash.co.uk/support/spares/