Pladis | McVitie's Case Study: Shadow Board Equipment Storage

Pladis | McVitie's

Ensuring Compliance & ReducingTool-Related Errors with Shadow Boards

Pladis required a more consistent and effective approach to equipment storage. Louise Dawson, Facilities and Administration Coordinator at the McVitie’s Halifax site, approached Klipspringer with two key challenges that needed to be addressed.

Challenge 1: Outdated Equipment Storage

Over time, pladis had worked with multiple suppliers of equipment storage solutions, resulting in a lack of consistency. Boards varied in design and layout, with some still displaying outdated branding and logos.

As a result, many of the existing boards were no longer fit for purpose. This made it difficult to maintain a clear and standardised approach.

Challenge 2: Equipment-Related Errors

Outdated equipment storage led to tools being kept in incorrect locations and this meant the needs of operatives were not always being met.

It was essential to create consistency in equipment storage so that teams could reliably access the utensils they needed, supported by clear guidance on how the tools should be used and for what purpose. A central objective of the project was to reduce the risk of equipment-related errors.

Pladis is a global snacking company and the custodian of more than 300 years of baking and confectionery heritage. With a workforce of over 16,000 people, pladis has 26 bakeries across 11 countries, producing a diverse portfolio of sweet and savoury snacks.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing snacking businesses, pladis is home to iconic brands such as McVitie’s, Jacob’s, and Carr’s, with the scale and reach to serve up to four billion consumers worldwide.

Shadow Boards reduced tool-related errors and cross-contamination

Klipspringer designed and manufactured new shadow boards for the McVitie’s Halifax site. These boards will now serve as a template for all future projects, streamlining the ordering process and ensuring consistency.

The new shadow boards have improved compliance and reduced equipment-related errors. For example, colour-coded tools are now clearly identifiable, helping to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.

Improved Compliance

Fewer tool-related errors

Reduced risk of cross-contamination

“There has been a noticeable improvement in compliance and a reduction in tool-related errors. For example, colour-coded cleaning equipment is now easily identifiable for each task, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.”

Louise Dawson, Facilities and Administration Coordinator, McVitie’s Halifax site

Partnering with Klipspringer

Louise Dawson, Facilities and Administration Coordinator at the McVitie’s Halifax site, shared her experience of working with Klipspringer, stating:

“It is very easy to work with Klipspringer. I’ve been able to build a rapport with contacts who truly understand our needs, making the ordering process quicker and easier.

The Klipspringer Team are always extremely helpful and were receptive to changes and suggestions during the design process. Customer satisfaction is clearly a priority.

The quality of goods has never been substandard, with great lead times too. I would recommend Klipspringer to others, as both the ease of ordering and the quality of the finished product cannot be faulted.”