A fast, flexible response

Hildegard M. Keil talked to Wolfgang Mayer, a member of the Executive Board of backaldrin International The Kornspitz Company GmbH, about how the company, which supplies raw materials to bakeries around the world and operates production facilities in various countries, is experiencing and coping with the Corona Crisis.

+Keil: Mr. Mayer, backaldrin has production operations in Austria, Russia, Jordan and China. How differently is the Corona Pandemic making itself felt in these countries?

+ Mayer: The measures that have been adopted by individual countries are different, and their timings also differ. Due to official controls, our production operation in China was to close right at the start of the year, therefore our measures to safeguard production and to secure the European supply chain came into force quickly, and we are currently benefiting greatly from that.

+ Keil: Your European production facility is located at Asten near Linz; what has changed there, are you subject to government supervision, and can you export or are there any restrictions in that respect?

+ Mayer: The Austrian Ministry of the Interior had already designated backaldrin as a so-called system-critical infrastructure operation in 2019, therefore we now had corresponding crisis plans ready in the drawer. We were integrated into the information chain at a very early stage, and were able to make a fast, flexible response. Above all, that also helps our customers. Currently, we are able to export everywhere, and are doing so. A number of countries are announcing individual short-term measures, all of which we have been able to resolve up to now.

+ Keil: Austria’s bakers depend greatly on tourism, especially at the present time. What effects has that had for the sector and for its upstream suppliers?

+ Mayer: We have talked to many customers, mainly those in tourism strongholds. These really are suffering greatly in the wellknown circumstances, and in this case it is not yet possible to foresee how it will all be coped with economically. The future will also show how the chain store branch business is trending nationwide. Of course, everyone is currently struggling with problems in the areas of logistics, staff availability etc.

+ Keil: What does the situation look like for your employees in production, sales and administration – it can’t all be dealt with in a home office. Do you need special authorizations?

+ Mayer: An exit restriction is currently in force in Austria, and is really being complied with by the population. Due to our special status, backaldrin has received specific driving entitlements for employees in the production, clerking and logistics areas, who are essential to maintain security of supplies. These employees have freedom to travel for professional purposes. All the staff who can do home office working are also doing that already. But even the CEO comes to the building every day and gives his backing to the team at this time.

+ Keil: Are you experiencing shifts in demand between product ranges?

+ Mayer: Basically, we hear from the marketplace that there is again an increased demand for classical breads. There was a slight downturn in sweet baked products during the stocking-up period. Initially, the public was stockpiling, but it has now become clearly visible that supplies are guaranteed, and the situation is relaxing again.

+ Keil: How is the logistics area operating now – are there any bottlenecks?

+ Mayer: Currently running very well; we have our own distribution network in Austria and Germany, and employees are also aware that they are playing their part in securing supplies for the public. They are doing magnificent work, and we are very grateful to our employees, who are now bearing an even greater burden than they otherwise would.

+ Keil: How are you responding in giving advice about the Corona Crisis; what are you offering to bakeries, can they obtain advice by telephone or E-mail, and are there any special tips?

+ Mayer: Many customers are addressing inquiries to us, and we are glad to help. We have prepared summaries of the hygiene regulations for them, and we have incorporated graphical suggestions from the health authorities and have processed them in such a way that customers can also make further use of them.

Basic advice applicable to all is to maintain a separation distance, wash your hands frequently and properly, and simply be even more disciplined than otherwise. Our sector is very hygienic in any case, and what is needed now is simply to pay a little more careful attention to it. We are optimistic that everything will go well for our customers! We are also keeping various product ideas in readiness, which bakeries can use to design more variety into their product range, and serving suggestions they can pass on as recommendations to their customers, for example to make the evening meal exciting, which is important especially for children.

++ AMF Bakery Systems announces leadership changes in Americas

AMF Bakery Systems (AMF) announced that Guillaume Joly, previously Global Business Development Manager, will transition to the role of Director of Sales for U.S. and Canada focusing on artisan bread and rolls, pizza and flatbreads, cakes and pies, as well as pastries and croissants. As the Company’s expertise in developing innovative production solutions for artisan breads and specialty baked goods continues to grow throughout North America, Guillaume Joly will lead the sales team focused on offering complete mixing through packaging solutions, including AMF Tromp sheeting and laminating as well as AMF Den Boer baking system technologies throughout the region. He will continue to work closely with AMF’s Director of Sales, U.S. and Canada, for the soft bread and bun segment, Blake Millard, as the duo aim to expand AMF’s reach across the complete range of best-in-class technologies from mixer to marketplace. “This is a natural transition for Guillaume,” mentioned Jason Ward, President of AMF. “His expertise in artisan bread and laminated product formulation, bakery process, and best-in-class equipment will continue to be influential in driving our market strategy for the artisan bread and specialty segments.” Guillaume Joly joined AMF Bakery Systems in October 2019 with over 25 years in the baking industry. +++

++ Kempf strengthens international sales

Since 1 February 2020 Marc Dagnelie has been strengthening Kempf GmbH as Key Account Manager International. He will be responsible for "Key Accounts" in the French speaking countries and in Central Europe. In this function he will report directly to the management. Marc Dagnelie has many years of professional experience in international sales and international market opening, the company says, including leading positions in companies in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Marc Dagnelie's last position was with Panelaux S.A. as head of purchasing. +++

++ AMF Bakery Systems welcomes Eric Tellier as Regional Account Manager for UK

AMF Bakery Systems (AMF) announced that Eric Tellier has joined the Company as Regional Account Manager for the United Kingdom. Eric Tellier is a true bakery market specialist, who has worked in this industry of baking machinery and solutions for nearly his entire career. For over 13 years, he has grown his network of industry professionals, knowledge and successes in various suppliers in the industrial baking industry. “The UK is a key market for AMF Bakery Systems, with over 60 million residents, who love to consume their daily bread and snacks. Brexit will certainly have its effect on the import of consumer goods, so local producers, large bakeries and also the local bakeries will have their hands full supplying the market, that is where AMF comes in to support and develop their capacity and efficiency”, noted Eric Tellier. +++

++ Bowman appointed President of American Pan Europe & MENA Operations

Gilbert Bundy, CEO Bundy Baking Solutions, recently announced the appointment of Jason Bowman as President of European and MENA Operations. Bowman has been with Bundy Baking Solutions for over 10 years and has been instrumental in the international growth of American Pan. He was most recently Senior VP for European Sales significantly increasing the company’s sales in that region. In his new role, Bowman will set the strategic direction and provide oversight of sales, engineering, production, finance, and human capital development for the four American Pan European entities.

Bundy Baking Solutions, headquartered in Urbana, OH USA, provides baking pans and equipment to the global baking industry with locations worldwide including two facilities in the UK, one in Spain and one in Romania. The family owned group of companies includes American Pan®, Chicago Metallic, DuraShield ® , Pan Glo ® , RTB, Shaffer and Synova. +++

++ Dennis Wendlinger is new Co-Managing Director at Anneliese Backtechnik

Anneliese Backtechnik, Eschweiler/ Germany, has expanded its management team. Together with the managing director Helmut Leuver, Dennis Wendlinger has led the company's business since 1 March 2020. Wendlinger began his training as industrial sales representative in 2011 at Anneliese Backtechnik and passed through all areas of the company before he took over the management and leadership two and a half years ago. In this position, Dennis Wendlinger was largely responsible for production and quality optimization.

++ Puratos celebrates its 100th birthday

Puratos, an ingredient manufacturer for bakers and confectioners based in Groot-Bijgaarden, Belgium, celebrates its 100th birthday this year. In its anniversary year, the company plans to open three new innovation centres on three continents. In January, two new joint ventures were also signed in Kenya and Ethiopia. The Group has around 9,500 employees in 70 countries. Puratos estimates its annual turnover at EUR 2 billion. +++