Snack World - May 2016 - (Page 49)

Flexible to the Core B BY SARAH HUBBART AND KERRY LYNCH luePrint Automation helps snack makers succeed. "Our vision is a world where flexibility and automation can live happily together," said Martin Prakken, CEO, BluePrint Automation (BPA). "Flexibility is in our DNA." Today, BPA is the world leader in designing and manufacturing automated case packing systems for flexible bags. The 36-year-old company uses standardized packaging automation systems to configure unique solutions for clients around the world. Every project is overseen by a highly specialized team. BPA operates three full-service manufacturing facilities in the US and Europe with additional locations around the world. While the company today services many industries, the snack-focused component of its business is about 10 to 30% of its entire portfolio. Worldwide, the company employs about 400 people. It was founded in 1980 by Martin Prakken's father, Bob Prakken, in Holland to supply the "missing link" for automated, non-rigid packaging. A US subsidiary was launched in 1987 in Richmond, VA. Martin and his wife, Juliette came to the US shortly after graduating from college. They moved to Richmond in 1992 to join the BPA team, first leading the family business' US division before being appointed CEO in 1999. And while they originally planned to be in the US for a five-year adventure, 25 years later, they are still here. Arriving at a critical point for Blueprint's business, Prakken was presented with multiple challenges. At that time BPA had just a few customers in the snack food industry. The large brands were focused on competing for market share and were not investing in automated lines. Prakken realized that the company needed to diversify, expanding into a variety of other industries, including frozen French fries, which has grown to become an important part of its business. But make no mistake, the snack food industry remains at BPA's core. This is one of the many reasons why the company finds involvement in SNAC International so valuable. "SNAC International is a great association because our company is defined by the snack food industry. The fact that the members get together twice a year provides access to our customer base and works right into our culture of relationships," Mr. Prakken said. Over the years, BPA's processes and machines have evolved to reflect changing trends, moving to robotics and vision-guided systems in an effort to minimize wasted time from changeovers between systems. Twenty years ago, changeover could take up to 30 minutes. Today, it can be virtually instant, saving valuable production time. BPA's team prides itself on delivering systems that can provide true flexibility in a real production environment. Its focus on flexibility is not only limited to packaging. The whole company, from the division heads to sales team to service technicians to Mr. Prakken himself, is proud of being hands-on with customers. "If it is too complex, it is not workable," Mr. Prakken said. "We say we are 'flexible to the third degree' - we create flexible systems that deal with a flexible product, and we are flexible in how we work with our customers." Mr. Prakken described BPA's company culture as a "get it done" philosophy that emphasizes relationships within the team and its customers. Most employees are long-term team members. In fact, employee turnover is so low within the company that they don't even measure it. Instead, Mr. Prakken's focus is on strategic growth. "As our customers grow, we grow," he said. Almost all new business comes through word of mouth from existwww.sfa.org May 2016 Snack World 49 http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 2016

Snack World - May 2016
Table of Contents
LETTER FROM SNAC INTERNATIONAL - SNAC International is Indispensable
NEWS - New SNAC International name recognizes evolving industry
SUPPLIER INSIGHT - Networking Is Key
2016 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT - At Front and Center Stage
Kudos to the Cast
Indulge and Excite
Maximizing Health, Innovating Style
Delivering on Innovation
Healthy Halo, Devilishly Delicous
Healthy Versatility
Flavor Innovation Going Nuts
The Cheese Alternative
Gone Gourmet
Flaming Hot, Protein-Packed
The Skinny on Popcorn
Keep it Fresh
BUSINESS MEMBER PROFILE - Innovation, New Ventures Continue
ASSOCIATE MEMBER PROFILE - Flexible to the Core
CHAIRMAN PROFILE - New Logo, New Leadership
SNAXPO - Staying Ahead of the Game
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
AD INDEX

Snack World - May 2016