Minimising food contamination risks starts with the way production equipment is designed, built and maintained. When equipment and factory layouts follow hygienic design principles, they support regulatory compliance and help maintain cleaner production conditions. Fortress Technology explores how these design choices align with the "sanitation first" priorities.

Jochem Oerlemans, Product Category Manager at Fabory, explores the challenges of machine downtime from galling and preventative greasing, and outlines how pre-lubricated bolts are reducing the total cost of ownership and helping to eliminate machine downtime risks for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users.

GS1 2D codes hold the key to driving sustainability and efficiency in beverage manufacturing, say the experts at Domino Printing Sciences.

In food and beverage, the stakes are especially high - a single point of delay can undo the efficiencies achieved everywhere else. Here, Beth Ragdale, software business manager at industrial automation and control specialist Beckhoff UK, explains why tackling bottlenecks requires a rethink of traditional production lines, moving beyond purely mechanical fixes to embrace flexible, software-driven solutions.

Compressed air may be invisible, but in food production it behaves like an ingredient. It drives actuators on packaging lines, blows crumbs from conveyors, transports powders, and comes into direct or indirect contact with products at multiple points. Yet many sites only scrutinise it when something goes wrong. Andy Lill, Business Development Manager for Industrial Gases at Atlas Copco, explores how air quality monitoring is shaping best practice in food processing.

As industrial businesses seek cutting-edge capabilities, upgrading existing software is a strategic choice, says Andy Graham, Solutions Manager at SolutionsPT.

Global meat processors could face increasing uncertainty in the near future, underlying the need for investment decisions to maximise business efficiency and flexibility. Matt Hale, Global Key Account Director, HRS Heat Exchangers, looks at the considerations for choosing heat exchangers for meat and co-products.

Whether integrated into hospital sterilisation equipment, spray disinfection systems, automated dosing units, or pharmaceutical CIP/SIP installations, NSF-Approved 800 Series flowmeters from Titan Enterprises help maintain high hygiene standards while improving operational efficiency.

From small-scale food producers to tier-one automotive suppliers, a growing number of businesses are investing in robotics to boost efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, address labour shortages and enhance health and safety. Oliver Selby, Head of Sales, FANUC UK, highlights three key robotic trends for 2026 that are set to take industrial automation to the next level…

Matt Hale, Global Key Account Director, HRS Heat Exchangers, examines the factors which determine the optical technology to provide electrical heat for food and beverage processes.