Quality control systems specialist Lock Inspection Systems has formed a “mutually beneficial partnership” with the Zero2Five food industry centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales.
Created in 2009, the Zero2Five centre was set up to provide food businesses in Wales with the knowledge, resources and support to compete more effectively in a global marketplace.
Following a meeting at the PPMA show in early June 2013, Zero2Five operations and technical manager Helen Taylor opted to work with Oldham, UK-based metal detector manufacturer Lock Inspection Systems.
“Metal detection is a critical factor for all of the companies using the centre, especially those wanting to become compliant with British Retail Consortium standards,” says Taylor.
Lock donated and installed an industry-leading metal detector model at the centre, to be used for training undergraduates in food science & technology and food safety management, as well as for professionals working in the Welsh food sector, on how to detect contamination during the food manufacturing process.
“Some of the companies we work with are looking to transition from a domestic kitchen into a commercial unit, and may never have seen an industrial metal detector before,” says Taylor.
Lock Inspection Systems sales manager Rob Gray adds: “Zero2Five is a respected centre with close links to industry. Students and graduates are placed in local food manufacturing businesses, working alongside decision makers, so our machinery is getting exposure to the next generation of food technologists.”
