Astratek Manufacturing Engineers is an engineering, procurement and construction company offering a range of innovative services to the food industry. The wealth of experience in the Astratek team is sure to take the South African food industry to the next level by improving on the regular engineering, procurement and design offerings with their in-depth knowledge and expertise in how to manufacture food safely, hygienically and cost-effectively.
Astratek is the brainchild of Peter Grobler, who has over 35 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing operations. After a long career of managing the manufacturing operations of two of South Africa’s greatest FMCG groups, Peter conceptualised and founded Astratek as “the only engineering company in the South African market that specialises in FMCG manufacturing”.
Peter has assembled a team of specialised engineers with experience in a variety of African manufacturing contexts to design state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, as well as operate and optimise existing facilities. Although Astratek is a new brand, the team is a well-established unit that has been working together for more than 10 years, helping food manufacturers to design, build and manage effective FMCG facilities, that run cost-effectively while achieving optimal output.
The Astratek team provides an end-to-end service offering tailored to the client’s manufacturing needs. This offering is comprised of full engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), plant design and construction, outsourced plant operations and plant optimisation strategies.
The team has worked on FMCG plants specialising in the production of a variety of products, such as:
- baked products – including designing a brand-new par-baked sourdough breads production line
- dairy
- prepared meals
- confectionery and snacks
- beverages and bottled water
- spices and condiments
- household and personal care
- fishing and processing
According to Grobler: “We want to get it right from the very start of a project which is why we always recommend to clients that we begin with a feasibility study to determine whether a long-term project is worthwhile pursuing. We also assist in the selection of ideal equipment for a facility or production line to operate optimally.”
“We design facility layouts using operational modelling techniques to ensure the smooth flow of materials, product and people. This includes the design of services and utilities such as electricity, water, fuel, steam and condensate and compressed air. These are often neglected areas which can increase profitability through cost saving, as well as ensure companies are stewarding valuable resources such as water and energy more responsibly.” Grobler added.
Astratek is particularly proud of their strong food safety and occupational health and safety expertise. Modern facilities must comply with safety requirements that are growing exponentially. “We have an intimate and hands-on understanding of hygienic plant design principles. To reduce complexity and minimise risk, we use proprietary risk assessment tools to stop problems before they happen.” stated Grobler.
As an added assurance, Astratek is a member of the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG), thus having access to the latest standards and manufacturing techniques to manage any product safety concerns. This will provide clients with a distinct advantage when selecting an EPC contractor for their next project.
For more information please contact
Peter Grobler
Managing Director
or alternatively
Marian Russell
Administration Manager
