Chinese yeast manufacturer Angel Yeast has opened a state of the art Smart Factory that is aiming for improved quality control, enhanced productivity and higher energy efficiency. The first batch of products have already rolled off its smart mixed production line, the company reports.

A producer of yeast-based products and food ingredients, Angel has developed a variety of standardised and customised baking ingredients and solutions, including baker’s yeast, bread improvers, leavening agents and ready-mixed products.

The factory features a packaging workshop equipped with automated high-speed packaging machines capable of completing 65 packs per minute, significantly increasing each machine’s production capacity. Both de-stacking robots and railed guided vehicles can achieve fully autonomous operations, reducing labour intensity while improving efficiency and output.

Deploying a smart manufacturing system (MES), production line distributed control system (DCS), and smart automated warehousing facilities, the factory digitalises and automates the entire manufacturing process from the storage of raw materials to the packing, sealing and transportation of final products.

Angel’s smart factory is part of the company’s effort to optimise its production process and upgrade its product offerings for customers worldwide. It will enable Angel to supply natural, greener and nutritious raw materials for baked foods and pastries. Angel has also ramped up investment to establish R&D hubs and technology centres for bakery products around the world, seeking new innovations to unlock more possibilities for the global food sector.

“Food ingredient sits at the forefront of our investment as one of Angel’s five major business focuses. The smart factory will further advance our manufacturing capability, and grant Angel “Industry 4.0″ expertise to drive new business models and boost quality, productivity and sustainability,” said Xiao Minghua, General Manager of Angel.

“Angel has cemented its leadership in China and beyond with its dry yeast business. Meanwhile, more than half of fermented foods in China use Angel’s yeast. Angel’s dough improvers enhance the quality of and prolong the shelf life of millions of tons of fermented food products each year, significantly reducing food waste. The Company has also set up a dedicated e-store where customers are able to purchase Angel’s high-quality food ingredients easily,” Xiao added.