November 2024 - Machinery World

Versatile mixing machine shines in the chocolate processing arena

Versatile mixing machine shines in the chocolate processing arena

The ROKK CCM200 process mixer has been smoothing the way in the dairy industry for many years – but in recent months, it has been revolutionising the cook, cool and mix process for premium chocolate brands, including Lily O’Brien’s of Ireland.

Traditionally known for facilitating the mixing, emulsification, homogenisation and cooking process for products including cream cheese, processed cheese, liquid cheese and cooking sauces, the versatility of the ROKK CCM range also lends itself to the mixing of chocolate and fillings, as Kevin Coleman, Process Manager for Lily O’Brien’s explains:

“We use the ROKK CCM200 to mix the sweet fillings for our luxury chocolate collections,” says Kevin, “and since we brought it on board, the texture and evenness of the mix has improved throughout, which means we have reduced waste mixes by 15%, saving both time and money.”

Established in1992 by Mary Ann O’Brien, the brand is named for her daughter, Lily, the key product taster in those early years.  Now a global brand with an international reputation for product excellence, innovation and style-driven packaging design, the team at Lily O’Brien’s need to know they have back up and support when needed.

“We export to nine countries worldwide, accounting for 75% of our annual turnover,” says Kevin, “so having both machinery and expertise you can depend upon is vital to our business.

“The ROKK CCM200 is exceptionally sturdy, reliable and simple to use, with a great instructions book which underpins our operations training.  It’s easy clean, versatile and highly efficient, and the volume size is perfect for our batch requirements.

“Just as importantly,” continues Kevin, “the back-up support we receive from Machinery World’s engineering division is as good as anywhere else I’ve seen, and there is a very fast turnaround from their on-site spare parts division, Parts Station.”

The Leicestershire-based food and dairy machinery suppliers Machinery World Group was founded in 1999 with the vision of providing customers with the best new and used machinery for their bespoke operational needs and budgets.  25 years on, the Group remains the market leader in the provision of new and used machinery from across the globe – and have both their own branded machinery range, ROKK Processing, and one of the industry’s most comprehensive spare parts divisions, Parts Station.

Kevin first met the Machinery World Group team at a trade fair four years ago – and when he was looking for a cooker, cooler and mixer with the ability to tweak the plant diameters for bespoke solutions, they were his first choice:

“I spoke to a number of different companies who recommended Machinery World – and I’ve not been disappointed,” says Kevin.  “The training we received was excellent and everyone we deal with is highly skilled in their field – solutions are always simple, quick and clear, which is exactly what you want from your suppliers.”

As the Machinery World Group celebrate 25 years, Lily O’Brien’s are now in their 32nd year of trading and one of Ireland’s leading chocolate manufacturers.  The passion that first inspired Mary Ann’s chocolate honeycomb hedgehogs is still present throughout the business and the focus remains on creating the finest, mouth-watering chocolate creations, using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world.

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