At ARC FOOD France, Hovmand lifters make it safer and easier for operators to handle heavy reels.

The improved working conditions have had a positive impact on employee wellbeing and made everyday production run more smoothly in their busy food manufacturing environment.

The company

ARC FOOD France is based in Rancourt, near Péronne in northern France, where they produce fresh pizzas for supermarkets across France and Northern Europe. Their pizzas are aimed at the entry-level and mid-range market.

The Rancourt factory is part of ARC FOOD INVEST, which also operates another certified production site in Belgium. The plant employs around 100 people and generates an annual turnover of approximately €26 million.

With two shifts and millions of pizzas made each year, it’s important to create good working conditions – both to keep production running smoothly and to hold on to experienced staff.

The challenge

When Jérôme Triboulloy joined the company as Production Manager two years ago, avoiding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) quickly became a top priority. He immediately noticed the difficulties packaging operators (half of whom are women) faced at the packaging stations.

He saw how they regularly had to lift reels weighing 30 to 40 kg to heights of around 1.5 metres. Determined to protect their health and avoid costly and disruptive sick leave, Jérôme began searching for a solution that could meet the specific demands of the food industry: usable in wet environments, easy to clean daily, and perfectly suited to operational needs.

The solution

After some research, Jérôme identified Hovmand lifters as the ideal choice and contacted his local Hovmand representative.

The goal was to equip two packaging lines with the right lifting solution, with the potential to expand to a third line later. Hovmand recommended the Inox 90M lifter, equipped with a boom that allows operators to lift reels effortlessly while fully complying with hygiene and safety standards, including IFS certification.

"The lifter has made a real difference to their daily work. It has improved job satisfaction and operator wellbeing considerably. We are even planning to equip a third packaging line, as six employees would benefit," explains Jérôme Triboulloy.

He also praises the positive collaboration with Hovmand, highlighting that the follow-up site visit after installation was particularly valuable, both for himself and for the daily users of the lifters.

The lifter has made a real difference to their daily work.

It has improved job satisfaction and operator wellbeing considerably.

Jérôme Triboulloy, Production Manager, ARC FOOD France 

The conclusion

At ARC FOOD France, the new lifting solution from Hovmand has made a real difference – both in terms of safety and day-to-day efficiency.

Operators can now move and place heavy reels exactly where they need to, without having to lift them over shoulder height. That means less strain on the body, a lower risk of injury, and a smoother workflow – all while meeting the strict hygiene and safety rules of food production.

A small change in equipment – but one that’s had a big impact on everyday work and wellbeing.

You might like these articles too ...

Dymax

Dymax, a global leader of manufacturing light-curing adhesives and equipment, invested in a Hovmand lifter – a purchase that represents a significant relief for the production employees. Read more in this case story. 

The cost of workplace accidents and diseases

In this article, we delve into the cost of work accidents and diseases and detail how implementing preventative measures like Hovmand lifters can help.