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In response to the increasing demand for automation solutions in the food industry, Ishida Europe has inaugurated a new Centre of Excellence in Čestlice, Prague. This facility aims to better serve food producers and packers across Europe, particularly in the Central and Eastern European markets.

The newly established centre spans over 1,000 square metres and is designed to facilitate a range of activities including training, pre-delivery inspections, product demonstrations and trials. Previously, customers requiring tailor-made solutions had to travel to Ishida’s manufacturing centre in Birmingham, UK, or even Kyoto, Japan. The Prague site now allows these essential services to be conducted locally, significantly improving accessibility for clients in the region.

Wim Hermans, regional general manager for North-East Europe, said: “The opening of this new facility will enable Ishida to better serve our European customers, reaching a market of 200 million consumers within a day's travel from Prague”. He added that the facility enhances Ishida’s capability to provide timely support, thereby assisting clients in navigating industry challenges and fostering business growth.

The new facility is equipped to support a wide range of Ishida’s products, including multihead weighers, filling and distribution systems, snack food bagmakers, and X-ray inspection systems. This comprehensive setup allows for extensive testing, logistics planning, and customisation initiatives, ensuring that clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific operational needs.

Petr König, the site leader, highlighted the facility's customer-centric design, which includes ample parking, meeting rooms for business discussions and an industrial washing area for equipment. The renovations also feature upgraded flooring, new cabling and hydraulic lifts, all aimed at optimising the customer experience during demonstrations and training sessions.

The facility will also enable clients to undergo bespoke training sessions, enhancing their understanding of equipment operation and maintenance. This focus on education is particularly pertinent as food producers increasingly seek to improve efficiency and compliance in their operations.

In addition to the physical expansion, Ishida has bolstered its regional team to offer a variety of services, including X-ray product testing, proof of concept testing, machine demonstrations and repairs. This service offering supports food producers looking to enhance their automation capabilities.