Fortress Technology (Europe) Ltd

Fortress Technology puts consumer safety first. In a world where better is just around the corner, we’re trusted by thousands of global manufacturers to design, build, install & maintain inspection equipment that deliver exactly what they promise. From food to FMCG; pharmaceutical to bulk; SMEs to listed companies; metal detectors to checkweighers; x-ray to combination systems; Fortress machines are designed to catch contaminants, slash waste, spot product defects, comply with weights legislation & reduce production downtime -wherever in the world you manufacture or export to. We regularly design systems that slot straight into existing production and packaging lines. For 20+ years we have offered the Fortress ‘Never Obsolete’ guarantee, ensuring future sustainability & compliance with HACCP & Codes of Practice. Now, this guarantee extends across all our new inspection systems.

  1. HACCP IDEALS FOR PRE-PREPARED MEALS
    5 February 2024

    Chilled and frozen convenience foods typically have more processing phases than any other food item. Although catching contaminants at the start of any food processing line is the most cost-effective solution, it is critical to assess and regularly review production risks in full context. Ensuring there are no HACCP gaps and that all of the essential inspection points are covered.

    Phil Brown, Managing Director at Fortress Technology Europe examines the benefits of having a longer-term strategic investment plan; the hidden and frequently overlooked risks on pre-prepared food processing lines; ways to prevent, eliminate or reduce microbiological, hygiene and physical contaminants; and how to spread machinery inspection assets out across production lines so there are no HACCP-holes.

    Although Metal Detectors inspect for the most-likely contaminant risk, X-Ray equipment may be utilised to detect non-metallic contaminants, e.g. bones. This is more common for premium meals or prepared foods targeted at young children or the elderly.

    The number-one requirement for all food manufacturers is to ensure products are safe for consumption. Inspecting products after packaging using an end-of-line Metal Detection and/or X-Ray system is the most important CCP. It is also a retailer COP requirement.

    The most common high-risk contamination culprit in food processing remains metal. However, X-Ray machines, including X-Ray pipelines may be advisable if there are specific risks. Foil packaging, such as metal trays, may influence the type of machine selected too. 

     

    Before shipment, processors of prepared foods also need to verify their products are the correct weight in order to comply with global Weights and Measures Regulations. A Checkweigher can be integrated with both Metal Detectors and X-Ray to ensure each product meets the nominal weight. Using a retail-spec combination systems can also ensure compliance with individually-defined COPs.  Mounting a Checkweigher on the same conveyor as a Metal Detector or X-Ray results in a far smaller footprint than stand-alone units would occupy.

    HACCP guidance states that critical control points (CCPs) should be located at any step where hazards can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to acceptable levels. Every food processors’ needs are different. The same applies to products.

    Rather than looking for patterns, examine potential CCP-holes. This is even more critical if a production process or packaging is changing.  An annual HACCP assessment – a requirement for most convenience food facilities – will help to ensure all essential inspection points are covered and, most importantly, retail-compliant.

    HACCP IDEALS FOR PRE-PREPARED MEALS
  2. RAPTOR GETS ITS RETAIL-SPEC WINGS
    5 February 2024

    Fortress Technology’s latest Raptor combination machine now comes with every UK supermarket Code of Practice specification pre-programmed into the machine. Exciting new features include a walk-through COP guide and easy-to-follow animated metal detector test screens. 

    Designed to ensure full compliance with retailer Codes of Practice (COP), the fully-integrated Checkweigher and Metal Detector is currently Fortress Technology’s most in-demand machine. Prioritising food safety, the Raptor Combi features state-of-the-art metal detection infeed, outfeed, reject, bin full and bin door lock sensors, covering every phase of the inspection process.

    Compared to other combination systems on the market, the retail-spec Raptor Combi always prioritises metal detection performance and automatically addresses application-specific product effect.

    Another unique Raptor feature is its override option. Because the metal detector directly controls its own reject device and monitors its own sensors, food processors can quickly remove the checkweigher motor control and run it as a conveyor or independent metal detector. This is essential for maintaining HACCP inspection compliance as it allows processors to continue shipping products, regardless of the checkweigher status.

    If any retailer COP changes, Fortress offers a simple and cost-effective route to adhere to evolving compliance and fault warning risks. These software upgrades are usually offered during a validation or routine maintenance visit. For operational continuity, the menu and functional set up typically looks and feels exactly the same.

    The Raptor Combi is built from a robust stainless-steel frame coupled with a transparent polycarbonate interlocked cover. Engineered cutouts help to prevent airflow negatively impacting weighing accuracy. For high washdown food production areas, a stainless steel cover can be requested.

    RAPTOR GETS ITS RETAIL-SPEC WINGS
  3. Fortress unveils high performance Raptor Combi system
    11 June 2021

    Fortress Technology, in collaboration with Sparc Systems, has unveiled its first ever modular, high performance, affordable combination metal detector and checkweighing conveyor system. Featuring a single swipe touch screen HMI and paperless audit software with unlimited pre-programmed Codes of Practice, the robust Raptor captures all the data required to guarantee absolute traceability.

    Fortress unveils high performance Raptor Combi system
  4. Foodex
    11 June 2021

    Fortress Technology will be exhibiting at Foodex

    Monday 5th - Wednesday 7th July 2021

    Stand Z40

    Click here to find out more

    Foodex
  5. AIB and Fortress keep food contaminants in check
    11 June 2021

    Fortress Technology’s latest Food Safety First podcast zones in on foreign material control, including the sources and preventative measures that companies can take to stop contaminants of all types entering the food chain. Featuring renowned expert speaker and Vice President of AIB International, Jeff Wilson, together with Fortress Managing Director Phil Brown recap on the risks, facility considerations and technology features that form part of the total contaminant control picture

    AIB and Fortress keep food contaminants in check
  6. Food Safety First Episode 2: ‘Inspecting’ Metal Detector and X-Ray Technology
    18 December 2019

    In this comparison of inspection technologies, our host Ryan Ramdass speaks with the President of Fortress Technology, Steve Gidman, to find out what you need to know before investing in Metal Detection or X-Ray. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each and how they fit into the food inspection industry.

    Food Safety First Episode 2: ‘Inspecting’ Metal Detector and X-Ray Technology
  7. Ride for Heart 2019
    18 December 2019

    Congratulations to the Fortress Technology team for their fundraising efforts and participation in the Ride for Heart! A total of $8,797 was raised in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation – funding lifesaving research on heart disease and stroke to save lives across Canada. Thank you to everyone who helped us to reach this goal!

    Ride for Heart 2019
  8. International Production & Processing Expo
    18 December 2019

    Introduction to the IPPE

    The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) continues to evolve and grow to meet the needs of its attendees and exhibitors. In 2019, IPPE expanded the show floor to all three halls (A, B and C) of the Georgia World Congress Center, resulting in the largest trade show floor ever in the event's history. For 2020, IPPE will again be in all three halls and will bring together more than 1,300 exhibitors and 32,000 visitors in Atlanta, Georgia. Mark your calendar to join us Jan. 28-30, 2020. You will not want to miss it!

    IPPE focuses on Innovation - bringing together buyers and sellers of the latest technology of products and services to make your business successful; Education - learning from the experts in free- and fee-based world-class programs on topics that cross industry interests; Global Reach - attracting more than 8,000 International visitors from 130 countries; and Networking - meeting new and rekindling old relationships with leaders across the industries.

    African Swine Fever Statement

    The recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) is of great concern to our industries. Higher levels of biosecurity will be in place during IPPE to prevent the introduction or spread of this virus and potentially other harmful diseases into our industries. We are asking all international travelers from countries positive for ASF to remain free from contact with live pigs and other livestock for a minimum of 5 days before visiting the IPPE in January. In addition, please take advantage of the biosecurity measures that will be utilized around the convention center during the IPPE, including foot cleaning mats and hand sanitation dispensers.

    Didn't Attend the 2019 IPPE? Here's What You Missed

     

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    International Production & Processing Expo
  9. West Pack
    4 December 2019

    Anaheim, California, USA
    February 11 – 13, 2020
    BOOTH 5431
    Learn More

    West Pack
  10. Northwest Food & Beverage World
    4 December 2019

    Food NorthWest / NWFPA 2020
    Spokane, Washington, USA
    February 17 – 19, 2020
    BOOTH 645
    Learn More

    Northwest Food & Beverage World
  11. FoodEX
    4 December 2019

    NEC Birmingham, UK
    March 30 – April 1, 2020
    BOOTH P191
    Learn More

    FoodEX
  12. International Association of Operative Millers
    4 December 2019

    Portland, Oregon, USA
    April 7 – 9, 2020
    BOOTH 517
    Learn More

    International Association of Operative Millers
  13. CheeseExpo
    4 December 2019

    Madison, Wisconsin, USA
    April 14-16, 2020
    BOOTH 1303
    Learn More

    CheeseExpo
  14. Bakery Showcase
    4 December 2019

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    April 26 – 27, 2020
    BOOTH 323
    Learn More

    Bakery Showcase
  15. IPBS
    4 December 2019

    International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition 2020
    Rosemont, Illinois, USA
    April 28 – 30, 2020
    BOOTH 2309
    Learn More

    IPBS
  16. InterPack
    4 December 2019

    Düsseldorf, Germany
    May 7 – 13, 2020
    BOOTH TBA
    Learn More

    InterPack
  17. ExpoPack Guadalajara
    4 December 2019

    Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
    June 2 – 3, 2020
    BOOTH 2014
    Learn More

    ExpoPack Guadalajara
  18. Fispal Tecnolgia
    4 December 2019

    São Paulo, Brazil
    June 16 – 19, 2020
    BOOTH TBA
    Learn More

    Fispal Tecnolgia
  19. Fortress enters the fast lane with new multi-aperture metal detector range
    20 January 2017

    Fortress Technology has designed a game-changing multi-aperture, multi-lane metal detector range, assisting food manufacturers to reduce factory footprint, investment and ongoing operating costs. Already successfully installed in two, four and five lane configurations by several leading UK food factories the production benefits and cost efficiencies of this new concept  is believed to be the first technology of its kind.

     

    Featuring a single metal detector mounted across multiple food packing and processing conveyor lines, the Fortress unit is uniquely divided into individual apertures, setting a new industry standard for performance. Because there’s a dedicated aperture for each lane, the range is more sensitive to smaller metal particles, detecting all metal types down 0.7 mm ferrous, 0.7 mm non ferrous and 1.4 mm stainless steel. In addition, this smaller aperture copes better with orientation and product effect.

     

    By consolidating this multi-aperture technology into one unit spanning multiple lanes, opposed to individual metal detectors, cuts the equipment footprint by over 50%, optimising factory floor space. The unit also sharpens operational efficiencies, reducing initial investment costs for food processors and packers by up to 40%. With just one system to maintain and manage, longer term, the multi-aperture device improves total cost of ownership (TCO) by over 65%.

     

    Compact system that fulfill all performance specifications

    Until now, factories wanting a multi-lane system to inspect food items had limited options, emphasises Fortress’s European Sales Director Phil Brown. “You could either install a much larger single aperture spanning all lanes, or insert standalone metal detectors between the conveyors. Neither were ideal solutions for food factories, resulting in a bulkier machine or conceding on metal detection sensitivity.

     

    “The main downside of installing a larger metal detector with a single aperture is it compromises product integrity. This is because the larger aperture is looking for metal contaminants in multiple products and dealing with multiple signals, making it less sensitive,” explains Phil. “Also, if a contaminated product is identified on one line, all products in the row are rejected, as the machine cannot single out the line with the contaminated product.” In comparison, the multi-aperture system only inspects and rejects contaminated products from the individual conveyor, which in a five-lane system cuts false product rejects by 400%.

     

    The other alternative - slotting individual metal detectors between each conveyor - is a more costly investment option, both at the initial outlay and to maintain for the lifetime of each machine. It also doubles the system’s footprint, even when the metal detectors are staggered. “Compactness and lifetime TCO are top purchasing criteria for virtually all food processors today. This multi-aperture innovation ticks every box and delivers the very best in metal detection performance,” notes Phil.  

     

    A single control panel manages all lanes, streamlining operator access and enabling production managers to select and view data by individual lane, as well as analyse comparative lane data side-by-side. 
To increase production efficiency, each lane is programmed to run independently from each other. So, if one lane stops working or requires maintenance, the remaining continue to run as normal, minimising business interruption.

     

    Meat burgers, chilled salads, personal care products, and spices are among the applications already benefiting from the multi-aperture, multi-lane technology. “Now we have a tried and tested system in two, four and five lane configurations, we can confidently engineer a unit for any number of lanes to inspect any product,” claims Phil. “Customers are repeatedly seeking food inspection systems that simplifies the purchase and support, reduces the volume of systems on the factory floor and optimises space, without compromising on quality and metal detection performance.”

     

    Ferrous only five-lane combination system … another world first

    Most recently, Fortress collaborated with Sparc Systems to design a Ferrous-only five-lane multi-aperture metal detector. This totally unique application was customised to inspect foil spice packs and integrated with a five-lane Sparc checkweigher. For Fortress, this installation was deemed a real engineering triumph, with the multi-aperture technology being integral to the project’s success.

     

    The entire five-lane combination metal detector and checkweighing unit measured 1.5 metres wide by 2.2 metres lengthwise. “As far as we are aware, no one has ever accomplished such a compact combined system integrating a multi-aperture metal detector head. All other options would have meant compromising on either space, metal detection sensitivity or waste, making this project a non-starter.”

     

    Custom built in 12 weeks and installed in March 2016, the five-lane system boosted inspection throughput from 200 to 1000 packs a minute, increased metal detection sensitivity by over 300% and reduced equipment footprint by over a half. It cost approximately £40,000 less than acquiring five individual metal detector and checkweighing combination systems. Another unrivalled feature is the transport mechanism that automatically separates metal contaminant rejects from weight rejects and places them in accessible BRC-approved lockable bins.

     

    Challenging the status quo

    “Due to the foil packaging, x-ray might have been considered the only option. Yet, the small footprint meant it would be technically impossible to accomplish a fully integrated five-lane checkweigher and inspection unit with today’s x-ray technology,” says Phil.

     

    How the spices are processed was another swing factor for multi-aperture. Phil explains: “This Ferrous-only system can identify metal contaminants measuring 1.2mm, compared to 5mm on a single aperture metal detector covering each line. While the risk obviously needs to reflect the product, when you consider the processing involved in preparing these spice blends, increasing the sensitivity to catch smaller wire swarfs that might pass through a sieve is huge advancement.”

     

    Engineering a multi-aperture, multi-lane metal detector that fulfils all of the retailer performance specifications is a huge industry breakthrough, adds Phil. “We are very excited about the cost and performance benefits that this technology presents to our customers. Fortress has once again challenged the status quo and generated a truly innovative system that marks the end of food factories compromising on any performance criteria, in particular metal detection sensitivity.”  

     

    ENDS

    Fortress enters the fast lane with new multi-aperture metal detector range
  20. Fortress’s Halo 2 upgrade runs rings around manual metal detector testing
    20 January 2017

    Fortress Technology’s newest version of Halo automatic testing technology is a failsafe and cost efficient way for food processors to periodically test inspection metal detectors.

    Forming an important part of manufacturing due diligence, automatic testing offers a repeatable and objective overview, checking that your metal detector is working as it should. Halo 2 provides food suppliers with a traceable and auditable testing procedure, satisfying retailer Codes of Practice. Capable of independently testing for all metal materials - ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel - the system also checks the performance of the reject system.

    Because Halo is an external device, it gives manufacturers a true measure of how each metal detector is performing. It automatically generates a signal calibrated to specified sphere sizes, logging the test results to provide a reliable audit trail.

    Traditionally installed on throat, pipeline and gravity metal detectors that inspect loose of free-falling products, including rice, sauces, cereals, powders, corn, sugar and snack foods, Fortress’s latest release has now been adapted to work with a conveyor style metal detector to further reduce operational costs.

    The costs of conducting these tests manually on such a regular basis can be high. Given the growing importance for data integrity, automatic testing tackles this drain on resources and also helps to eliminate the risk of human error.

    European Sales Director Phil Brown explains: “In many food production settings, as soon as one check is done, it’s time to start over. If you factor in every production stoppage and the labour costs associated with manual testing on each production line, it soon mounts up.”

    For example, in one day, a single metal detector system, with a production rate of 50 units per minute, that is manually tested at least five times each day, may cost a manufacturer around £250 a day. Automatic testing significantly reduces the frequency of manual testing. Realistically, it could save a food processor thousands of pounds a month.

    “Automatic testing removes the risk of human error and work place injury at critical control points on a manufacturing line while complying with industry standards,” comments Phil. “In particular, Halo is useful in applications where frequent testing of a metal detector is made difficult due to access, machine position, product flow and environmental conditions.”

    Payback for a new Fortress metal detector fitted with Halo 2 is typically less than 12 months. Designed to complement manual testing, Halo 2 helps to strengthen food safety compliance and metal detector system security on processing and packing lines

    Fortress’s Halo 2 upgrade runs rings around manual metal detector testing

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