Habasit Case Study

Habasit manufactures conveyor belts for use in food processing industries. Conveyor belts are vital for this industry as they transport food products from one process to the next. If the belt breaks production is disrupted. If the belt is dirty the food will be contaminated and made worthless. Habasit belts are made from a strong flexible material. They are covered with several coatings which provide protection from bacteria, making cleaning easy and provide a non-slip surface so less food sticks to the belt. The belt also lasts longer than other models. One pastry manufacturer was able to reduce flour consumption by 30% as less stuck to the surface.

The Indian food processing industry is worth $135 billion and is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 10%. The Indian government is supporting this with the long term view of making the country a world leader by 2050.

 

1.     Explain how the use of conveyor belts like the ones Habasit makes increase productivity in the food processing industry.

2.     Outline the factors that a business would need to consider before investing in this type of conveyor belt.