Modular factory systems gaining momentum in Pakistan and India

UFT is a food engineering company that supplies, installs and commissions food processing equipment from global partners among other things and focuses on the Middle East, Asia and African markets. Clients include Emirates Flight Catering, Diamond Meat and Premier Foods

SME food processors

Its FiaB replaces refurbished shipping containers for smaller to medium sized food processors and the designs are in accordance with European standards and German quality and Halal rules for Islamic diet.

The modular factory system can be installed and operational within four to six months, including the two to three week on-site installation and commissioning time. This, according to UFT, is faster than a traditional factory development that can take anywhere between 24–36 months. 

Werner Muller, senior consultant/business development, ​UFT, told FoodProductionDaily.com FiaB is not a new concept but it has many start-up customers who want to build their own factory quickly, to a high standard, and need a converted warehouse.  It has a life span of 25 years.

“Also, many of our QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) customers are expanding from the UAE into countries such as Pakistan and India which poses a long list of challenges to get any food processing operation going​,” he said. 

“FiaB units fit in well in extending or simplifying global supply chains for food the industry. Examples of such units include a chicken slaughterhouse, meat processing factory or sausage factory​.”

The FiaB systems are available in three categories: as stand-alone, self-contained buildings, In-Warehouse factories (where they connect with the warehouse cold stores) and Add-on units for existing processors that need to extend a specific process.

Cold stores and chillers

They have been developed specifically for installation within existing warehouses – and connects or sits next to cold stores and chillers. Clients include fast-food operators, distributors, traders, where they can process and supply products in a hygienic and safe food processing environment. 

“The FiaB modular units are the same size as shipping containers because this makes shipping and transportation easier but, because of the panelling, wiring, flooring and drainage requirements for any food factory, converting a refurbished container is not possible or practical. A shipping container will also never look like a proper food factory whereas the FiaB does​,” added Muller.

The units come pre-equipped with all factory requirements, including hygiene barriers, flooring, drainage, equipment connections, water and power connections, fire protection systems and cleaning systems.

“Each of these applications come equipped with a high standard of German equipment from renowned suppliers​,” said Muller.

“These machines are carefully selected, and fully integrated with the FiaB modular factory system to deliver specific processing benefits across all production processes​.”

Demo factory

The first FiaB will be launched at Gulfood in Dubai next month, and although the company has already sold three units to existing customers, it is the first time this launch unit has gone on display to the public where it will also serve as a test and demo factory at the UFT Academy. 

“We hope most of the interest will come from Africa, Pakistan, India and KSA​,” said Muller.

“Besides the launch of FiaB, we will be investing extra time and energy into the development of our consultancy services (factory planning and development), launching of the UFT Academy (training of food processing staff), a UFT Web Shop (where our customers can buy all kind of items that is not always easily available) and our Contract Factory Management service​.”