High volume food production needs to be consistent, hygienic and easy to run day to day. At S4 Engineering, we’ve proven this is achievable with a recent compote and cream cheese processing equipment installation. With this case study, you can see how we helped our client improve batch consistency, reduce manual input and simplify cleaning.
This was a full turnkey job covering design, supply, and installation of the process system.
The Brief: A More Efficient & Hygienic Batch Process
The client reached out to the S4 Engineering team for a system that could reliably produce both compote and cream cheese. Specifically, they wanted a controlled and flexible process setup, without relying heavily on operators.
The main requirements included:
- Consistent batch control
- Reduced manual handling
- Full CIP capability across the system
- Hygienic design throughout
- Integrated control of cooking, cooling, and product transfer
They were looking for a complete solution rather than separate pieces of equipment.
As an end-to-end supplier of bespoke food processing systems, we were well equipped to take on this project. We could add the latest technology upgrades to ensure CIP standards could be met across the entire process as well as reducing the need for manual interventions with automated recipe management.
The Solution: A Fully Integrated Processing System
We supplied and installed a complete batch processing system built around controlled cooking, cooling, and automated cleaning.
The system includes:
- 2 × 1000L steam jacketed cooking kettles for controlled thermal processing
- 1000L holding tank with inline product cooling
- Dedicated cooling skid to bring product temperature down efficiently
- Full Siemens control system with recipe management for repeatable batches
- Automated 3-tank CIP system with HMI control and full cleaning sequences
- Pallecon offloading station designed for hygienic product transfer and CIP
- Roof void installation with hygienic pipework and service routing
The system was designed in line with EHEDG guidelines, keeping everything clean, accessible and suitable for food production.
Want to see how it all fits together? Watch the video below.
The Result: Better Control, Less Manual Input
Once the system was up and running, the client had a much more controlled and repeatable process.
They can now produce compote alongside controlled cream cheese processing steps, with cream cheese processing and integration handled at defined stages, using recipe-driven control rather than manual adjustment.
In practice, this means:
- More consistent batches
- Less operator involvement
- Reliable cleaning through automated CIP cycles
- Smoother operation across cooking, cooling, and transfer
It’s a straightforward system to run once set up, with the automation doing most of the work.
Once the team adjusted to the new system, they saw measurable improvements in efficiency and a reduction in the need for manual oversight. This helped to mitigate the risks of human error, so the company could be confident that once the recipes were set into the system, the finished product would be pretty much perfect every time.
S4 Engineering’s Service Offering
S4 Engineering delivers complete process systems, from initial design through to installation and commissioning.
Having a single supplier for the full project keeps things simple and avoids the usual issues that come with splitting design, build, and install across different companies.
All systems are designed with a focus on practical operation, hygienic design, and long-term reliability.
Whether it’s a new line or an upgrade to an existing process, the approach stays the same, build something that works properly and keeps working.
Whether you have an upcoming project or a problem to solve. Get in touch with the team at S4 Engineering to see how our approach to cheese production could make all the difference for your business.
