Look
after equipment to make it last and ensure it runs efficiently
Foodservice equipment prices
will continue to rise for the foreseeable future, and the new equipment will
take longer to arrive. Those are the
stark warnings of FEA (Foodservice Equipment Association) in the face of what it
is calling a ‘perfect storm of challenges.’
“Recent media coverage of the
dramatic rise in the price for nickel have underlined the problems,” says Keith
warren, chief executive of FEA. “Stainless
steel prices had already risen by between 17 and 33% recently. The price is going to rise further with the
dramatic increases in the cost of the alloys used in stainless steel for
foodservice appliances, such as nickel and molybdenum. The cost of nickel rose from $25,000 a tonne
to $100,000 a tonne in just two days! Meanwhile
energy and employment costs are increasing, along with inflation. And while the availability of components is
more stable and is improving, they are still on extended order times.
“Sadly, these are global issues
– there is nowhere else to go to get equipment.”
Alongside price pressures and
component delays, manufacturers and importers are having to deal with staff
shortages and the complications of Brexit.
FEA advises against purchasing
equipment that’s not up to spec simply because it’s available. “It won’t meet the need and, in a short time,
it’ll need replacing,” says Warren. “Worst
case scenario, an under-specced appliance could compromise safety of staff and
customers.”
So what’s the answer? FEA says it’s more imperative than ever that new
equipment orders are placed as quickly as possible and that they look after the
equipment they already have, in order to maximise its service life and ensure
it is running as efficiently as possible.
The two elements to that are staff training, so that appliances are
maintained day-to-day, and regular servicing by qualified engineers.
Most suppliers and
manufacturers will offer staff training, and many have online resources, such
as ‘how to’ videos, that staff can easily access to learn about specific
maintenance and cleaning tasks. To find
a reliable service company FEA says it’s important to use a certified organisation,
such as a member of the FEA Accredited Service Provider Scheme.
The Foodservice
Equipment Association (FEA)is the independent, authoritative voice of the
foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200
companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering
equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more
information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk
Copy ends
FEA warns of continuing price increases and equipment
delays – Mar-22
Press Enquiries:
The Publicity Works: 01263 761000; fea@publicityworks.biz
For more news about FEA visit the press office at www.publicityworks.biz
Keith Warren, FEA: 020 7793 3030
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