Customer case: Kraft Heinz chooses Brilliant
In this customer case, John Rutten (Kraft Heinz) and Marc Rosendahl (Brilliant Group) discuss the collaboration.
From paper towels to ITEC sinks and then a complete hygiene lock
Kraft Heinz is present on virtually every Dutch family’s table. The ketchup, the sauces, the sandwich spread, and many other food products are all of the highest quality. That’s what Kraft Heinz has stood for more than 150 years.
This can also be seen in how the company handles hygiene and safety in the workplace. The best is not good enough and everything must be meticulously arranged. A few years ago, Kraft Heinz naturally turned to Brilliant for a new total concept.
The beginning
“Well, actually it wasn't completely natural,” admits John Rutten of Kraft Heinz right away. “At one point, I found out that Brilliant was a supplier of ITEC equipment. I then approached them to equip our new sanitary areas, toilets, and washing facilities with that equipment. We wanted to get rid of the paper towels and were charmed by the special ITEC sinks where you can wash and dry your hands at the same time. That's when a new standard was set at our company.”
Collaboration with various projects
We further developed the concept, ultimately incorporating complete hygiene sluices, brush strips for footwear, and forklift trucks. We are now running various projects for which we have enlisted Brilliant's assistance. Take, for example, the workplace organization in the form of shadow boards, which we are working on together. The seemingly simple hanging rack for hand scoops: fully customized for the place where they are used. The scoops do not swing around but hang freely—and nowhere above each other, which is extra hygienic and better for food safety."
It's all about collaboration
The working method at Kraft Heinz is actually quite standard. John Rutten: "As a company building towards the future, we must ensure quality according to all regulations. We also sit at the engineering table, where we gladly call upon the expertise of Brilliant. They really enjoy brainstorming with us and they have knowledge in areas like hygiene requirements.
And also very nice: they keep us informed of innovations. We usually present a challenge to our suppliers, including Brilliant. We do not ask for products but rather for a solution to a problem. Brilliant understood this very well straight away and thought passionately with us."
Customized total concept
Marc Rosendahl adds: "We were super proud to be able to provide a total concept of resources to materials and machines for hygiene and safety of both people and food. Even for personal hygiene (such as the hand hygiene station at the entrance to the production spaces), Brilliant is already a supplier for Kraft Heinz.
The technical teams from Brilliant and Kraft Heinz have successfully completed several projects together. Think of the special dosing units for CIP installations, the scrubbers/suction machines for production floors, and not forgetting the foam cleaning stations (satellites) for the surface cleaning of production machines.
The current units no longer met the high standard. The engineering team was looking for a new concept with foam units, but proof of function needed to be provided. This was achieved through a prototype, after which the project could be rolled out. Various boosters with satellites are now running as desired."
Aware of safety
At all 83 Kraft Heinz locations, the safety of people is a top priority. Through SOS calls of (nearly) accidents, we receive a rating.
Within Kraft Heinz, there is a global focus on achieving the lowest possible rating. This means a daily review of incidents within the organization. Personal safety is a major priority in this context. Global communication to create awareness is crucial here. John: “We want to be the best! We are also trained and guided for this.”
Working together sustainably
A good example of how it works both ways. John: "To green a new 5,500 m² hall, I wanted to show my colleagues what it takes to cover an entire roof with 1,500 solar panels. An appointment with Marc was quickly arranged. Together with my energy team leader, we went to take a look at the roof of the new Brilliant building. Of course, it wasn't about hygiene and safety, but about solar panels and their details, insurance, and pitfalls. However, because you know and trust each other, you can also help each other in other areas. We are now going to install 1,788 solar panels. So the collaboration has also helped us to become greener!"