Mackie’s Ice Cream

  

 

CASE STUDY: Precision Installation for Food Production Excellence

IDI Services Delivers Specialized Equipment Handling for Mackie's Ice Cream

Client Profile

Mackie's of Scotland, a renowned premium ice cream manufacturer based at Westertown Farm in Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, required specialized equipment handling services for the installation of new packaging machinery. As a family business committed to producing the highest quality ice cream using fresh ingredients from their own farm, Mackie's depends on state-of-the-art production equipment to maintain their exacting standards and meet growing consumer demand.

The Challenge

This project involved the precise installation of new packaging equipment at Mackie's production facility, presenting several specific challenges:

  • The sophisticated Synergi packaging machinery represented a significant investment in production technology
  • The equipment's substantial weight and precise operational requirements demanded specialized handling
  • The installation needed to take place within an active food production environment with strict hygiene protocols
  • The factory floor presented space constraints for maneuvering large equipment
  • Precise leveling was critical for the machinery's optimal performance and calibration
  • Minimal disruption to Mackie's production schedule was essential
  • The rural Aberdeenshire location required careful logistics planning

The Solution

IDI Services designed a comprehensive approach leveraging our specialized equipment handling expertise:

Phase 1: Detailed Planning and Preparation
Our project team worked closely with Mackie's production specialists to develop a detailed installation plan. This included:

  • Thorough assessment of the installation area within the factory
  • Precise measurements and floor loading calculations
  • Development of a handling methodology compliant with food production standards
  • Coordination with Mackie's team to identify the optimal installation window
  • Detailed risk assessment specific to food production environments

Phase 2: Equipment Reception and Offloading
When the new Synergi packaging machine arrived at the Westertown facility, our team:

  • Carefully inspected the equipment before handling
  • Deployed specialized offloading equipment suited to the factory environment
  • Utilized protective measures to maintain hygiene standards throughout the process
  • Documented the condition of all components for quality assurance

Phase 3: Precision Movement and Positioning
The critical phase of the operation involved our specialized jacking and skating techniques:

  • Our hydraulic jacking system was deployed to carefully lift the equipment
  • Custom-designed skates were positioned to enable precise movement across the factory floor
  • The equipment was carefully maneuvered through the facility with millimeter precision
  • Constant monitoring of clearances and pathways ensured zero impact on surrounding machinery
  • Communication with Mackie's production team was maintained throughout the process

Phase 4: Final Positioning and Leveling
Once the equipment reached its designated location, our team:

  • Carefully positioned the machinery according to the installation specifications
  • Deployed precision leveling equipment to ensure perfect alignment
  • Made incremental adjustments until the machine met exact level requirements critical for operation
  • Secured the equipment in its final position ready for connection to services
  • Conducted a final inspection alongside Mackie's technical team

The Results

The project was completed with excellent outcomes:

  • Zero damage to the valuable packaging equipment throughout the handling process
  • Perfect positioning and leveling achieved to the manufacturer's specifications
  • Complete adherence to food production hygiene standards
  • Minimal disruption to Mackie's production schedule
  • Efficient completion of the installation phase, allowing prompt commencement of commissioning
  • Full compliance with all safety and quality protocols

Client Testimonial

"IDI Services demonstrated exceptional skill in handling our new packaging equipment. Their jacking and skating approach provided precisely the control needed in our busy production environment. Their attention to hygiene protocols was particularly important to us as a food producer, and their ability to achieve perfect leveling of the equipment has ensured optimal performance from day one. Their expertise meant we could focus on getting the new system operational with minimal production downtime."

  • Production Manager, Mackie's of Scotland

The IDI Advantage

This project highlights IDI Services' specialized capabilities in handling sensitive production equipment in active manufacturing environments. By applying our jacking and skating expertise to this food production setting, we provided Mackie's with an installation solution that prioritized equipment protection, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency.

Our understanding of the specific requirements of food production facilities, combined with our specialized handling capabilities, demonstrates why quality-focused manufacturers like Mackie's trust IDI Services with their valuable production assets.

For precision equipment handling that protects your investment while maintaining operational standards, contact IDI Services today.