ForFarmers’ lifeline delivers smooth operation at Manor Vinegar

Removing the spent grain from its production site is essential to keep Manor Vinegar’s brewing operation running smoothly. A daily co-product collection service from ForFarmers not only helps the company meet its production schedule, it’s also generating additional revenue – and prevented a three-week halt in production when a serious incident occurred.

Based in Burntwood, Staffordshire, Manor Vinegar is one of Europe’s largest vinegar producers. It has supplied malt, spirit, distilled, speciality, and red and white wine vinegar to retailers, wholesalers and food manufacturers for over 100 years. A by-product of its operation is spent brewers’ grain, which is stored on-site in a silo. It is essential for Manor Vinegar that the silo is emptied of co-products each day for the firm’s continuous operation to be maintained.

ForFarmers has been handling Manor Vinegar’s co-product needs for over 15 years. As Manor’s production volumes vary, ForFarmers’ staff communicate closely with the in-house team to predict, plan and review collection times. This ensures the drivers arrive at the optimum moment, enabling Manor to meet its rigorous production schedule.

As well as ensuring smooth operation, the service also brings in additional revenue, as the co-products are sold as animal feed. “While keeping production running smoothly is our primary concern, knowing that we’re getting a good rate of return for our co-products – and that they’re helping the food chain – is a bonus,” states Seamus Clarke, Production Manager.

However, ForFarmers really proved their worth when a high-sided vehicle collided with Manor’s silo. “The grain spilled onto the floor and we were left with a mash tun of fresh co-product,” says Seamus. “Production was halted and we were looking at three weeks’ downtime.”

ForFarmers quickly took control of the situation. They arranged for the spent grain to be disposed of and bypassed the silo by piping the co-products directly into a trailer from the mash tun. Manor Vinegar was able to resume production within just 30 hours.

“ForFarmers’ staff were full of ideas, demonstrating their considerable experience,” says Seamus. “They helped us safely dispose of the spilt product and enabled us to restart production within just 30 hours. They really came to our rescue.”

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www.forfarmers.co.uk