Merrychef®, a Welbilt Brand, is investing a seven-figure sum in the very latest machine laser technology at its factory in Sheffield, after experiencing strong growth in the last quarter of 2020. Alongside this, they are also creating an additional fifty roles across all areas of the site, due to an increase in exports that is forecast to continue throughout 2021 and beyond.
Speaking of the investment and employment creation, Colin Lacey, Merrychef vice president and managing director explains:
“The last quarter of 2020 was our second highest on record with Merrychef ovens being shipped to all 4 corners of the world. From South Korea to Chile, the USA to Australia and the Middle East, demand for Merrychef high-speed ovens has never been greater. This has been driven by a variety of factors, not least the significant number of operators turning to equipment with speed, to facilitate a move to takeaway and click-and-collect operations across the industry. Despite increased competition, Merrychef remains the preferred brand for foodservice operators who need queue busting speed, ease of use and unparalleled customer support.
Energy efficiency
To be able to invest in the factory and create additional jobs in the local economy is particularly poignant right now, as we celebrate 70 years of the Merrychef brand. Last year was focused on ensuring the manufacturing plant was COVID-19 secure and ramping up production, but 2021 is about planning for the next 70 years and these investments are a big step on that journey.”
“The new Amada EML AJ series laser is a combined cutting and punching machine which is 45% faster and 43% more energy efficient than previous machines. This will obviously help to significantly increase production at our Sheffield site and improve order wait times. We will have this installed and integrated into our existing automated metal handling stockyard,” says Michael Lee, Merrychef operations director.
Further details:
Merrychef is the leading brand of high-speed ovens in the UK and across Europe. All products are supported by the Welbilt KitchenCare® team of inhouse technicians and include MenuConnect® and the optional Welbilt KitchenConnect® to help operators with local and remote monitoring of oven performance. This advanced technology, featuring connectivity by WiFi, ethernet or GSM, facilitates remote software and menu updates across an entire estate at the touch of a button, saving costs and ensuring consistent food quality at the same time.
For further information on Merrychef ovens please visit, www.merrychef.com.
About Welbilt, Inc.
Welbilt, Inc. provides the world’s top chefs, premier chain operators and growing independents with industry-leading equipment and solutions. Our innovative products and solutions are powered by our deep knowledge, operator insights, and culinary expertise. Our portfolio of award-winning product brands includes Cleveland™, Convotherm®, Crem®, Delfield®, Frymaster®, Garland®, Kolpak®, Lincoln®, Manitowoc® Ice, Merco®, Merrychef® and Multiplex®.
These product brands are supported by three service brands: KitchenCare®, our aftermarket parts and service brand, FitKitchen®, our fully-integrated kitchen systems brand, and KitchenConnect®, our cloud-based digital platform brand. Headquartered in the Tampa Bay region of Florida and operating 19 manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, we sell through a global network of over 5,000 distributors, dealers, buying groups and manufacturers’ representatives in over 100 countries. We have approximately 4,400 employees and generated sales of $1.2 billion in 2020.
For more information, visit www.welbilt.com.
