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Operational Excellence

7 Ways Predictive Maintenance Can Minimize F&B Equipment Downtime and Maximize Lifespan

By David Hicks

February 12, 2025

Now more than ever, food manufacturers face mounting pressure to boost operational efficiency, productivity, and cost control. With rising expenses across supplies, labor, and equipment already squeezing margins, companies must proactively tackle downtime, overhead, and waste to protect profitability and competitiveness.

One critical yet often overlooked factor is equipment maintenance. Neglecting or delaying maintenance doesn’t just risk downtime—it directly impacts product quality, food safety compliance, worker safety, machine lifespan, and your ability to deliver on time. When production demands push equipment beyond recommended speeds, pressures, or temperatures, these risks multiply rapidly.

Yet many manufacturers still see maintenance as a necessary evil—something to minimize rather than optimize. Ironically, this mindset doesn’t save time or money; it drives up costs and inefficiencies as minor issues escalate into major breakdowns, emergency replacements, or potentially costly recalls.

Read the full article, by our VP of Maintenance Excellence, Dave Hicks in Food Logistics to discover how proactive maintenance strategies can help your operation reduce costs, enhance productivity, and safeguard quality and safety standards. TBM Consulting Group works with food and beverage manufacturers to implement these strategies, ensuring equipment reliability and operational efficiency.

 

Read More on Food Logistics →

 

Meet the Expert

David Hicks

David Hicks

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David Hicks is a lean leader and long-time quality professional. He leads the TBM Maintenance Excellence practice and manages several key client relationships.

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