Q&A with John Kirkpatrick

Q&A with John Kirkpatrick, Bakery Specialist at Reiser.


Question: How does Reiser help processors make better buns and rolls that respond to consumer-based wants and trends?

SN: The industry trend is toward flexibility, versatility and moving beyond a standard product line offering. Reiser meets those needs by providing the most versatile and flexible bun and roll divider available. The Vemag Dough Divider can accurately portion and form the smallest tight grain sliders as well as the largest open-grain focaccia rolls. In addition, we can provide the processor the ability to make the latest non-traditional, plant-based products as well as the more traditional sub-rolls.

Question: What are some of your initial steps in helping a manufacturer or processor choose the “right” system(s) for their products?

SN: There is no other system on the market that can match the range of product densities, crumb structures and absorption rates that our Vemag dividers provide. Our skilled professionals can help you determine exactly what you need in several easy steps.

  1. Interview – Needs/ Budget/ Timelines/ Share Videos of Similar Projects
  2. Assessment – Plant Visit/ Process/ Product Analysis
  3. Process Review/Needs Discovery/Needs Defined
  4. Testing scheduled in Canton, Massachusetts or at their Facility

Question: How are technology and equipment helping manufacturers and processors stay ahead of the marketplace curve?

SN: The new markets demand more ethnic, more non-traditional ingredient products, smaller portion sizes and better-for-you foods, to mention a few. Manufacturers with newest technologies and equipment that can portion products with inclusions such as vegetables, proteins, spices and herbs as well as those products that may be softer, stickier or stiffer than traditional products will be ahead of the curve or at least keep up with it. Those that can do all that with top ratings in food safety and maximum versatility will be way ahead of the curve.

Question: When should bakers consider scaling up production?

SN: When they have a significant increase in sustained profitable business and the current equipment is either incapable of meeting those needs, either because of its inability to meet throughput requirements, or it lacks a specific product production capability.

Question: What systems does Reiser offer for buns and rolls?

SN: We have single-lane and multiple-lane bun and roll systems. Reiser can provide a solution with the Vemag equipment and our partnerships with key industry players from loading the Vemag through placing the product in pans.

Single Lane – Vemag V500B or HPE Dividers with pneumatic or servo high-speed cutoffs

  • Dough Chunkers – partner
  • Single lane on belt rounders
  • Barrel Rounders – partner
  • Conical Rounders – partner
  • Flour Dusters
  • Intermediate Proofers – partner
  • Forming Stations – partner
  • Panning Systems – partner

Multiple Lane – Vemag HPE Dividers with pneumatic, motorized or servo cutoffs

  • Dough Chunkers – partner
  • Dough Flows
  • Multiple Lane on Belt Rounders with Zig Zag Boards and Timing Gates
  • Flour Dusters
  • Intermediate Proofers – partner
  • Forming Stations – partner
  • Panning Systems – partner