Meet the Team:
Dan Knight
Each month we’re introducing you to a member of our expert team. This month is the turn of Project Engineer, Dan Knight.
What is your background and how did you end up at FEG?
I started out as an apprentice machinist with a company that produced components for the nuclear industry.
From there I developed an interest in design, changed job roles and completed my apprenticeship as a draughtsman. I was fortunate enough to have had traditional draughtsmanship values instilled during my apprenticeship while taking advantage of modern technology.
I was introduced to FEG when I was working as a project manager on various food manufacturing projects through my role as a draughtsman and was keen to be part of the team to develop my skills as a project engineer.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I’m currently contracted to food manufacturers Cavaghan & Gray. Initially I was overseeing refrigeration system upgrades but now my role has expanded to support yearly CAPEX projects and a significant capital investment due to start in August.
I support with engineering issues, which was particularly important at the height of the COVID pandemic as the factory had to maintain supply throughout the various lockdowns.
What makes FEG different?
I am fortunate to have a degree of autonomy within my role but can also draw on the support of my colleagues when needed. Our team has such a wide range of specialties and it’s really helpful to bounce ideas around to overcome difficult challenges.
Our office atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, which makes a welcome change of pace when I get a break from the demands of Cavaghan & Gray.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The variety is definitely enjoyable and challenging in equal measure. I really value the opportunity to learn new things because as a project engineer you need to have an appreciation of a wide range skills. I can’t thank my colleagues enough for the support they have given me during my first year.
Our team has such a wide range of specialties and it's really helpful to bounce ideas around to overcome difficult challenges.
What’s been your favourite project?
My proudest achievement has to be the Best Ever Roast Upgrade Project I led last year.
Cavaghan & Gray had a request from its customer to change the recipe/process of its roast potato line in time for Christmas peak production. This involved the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke machinery onto an existing process, while maintaining existing throughput levels and minimising disruption to the existing operation.
My background in mechanical design allowed for detailed discussions with the manufacturers and our automation engineer, Craig Gardiner, designed and programmed the entirety of the electrical system. Using a combination of new and modified equipment, we successfully achieved the customer’s requirements, meeting the tight deadline and budget.
With a little bias I would say the roast potatoes are tastier now, so much so I had them on Christmas Day!
Selected Projects Carousel
Flexible dynamic weighing food conveyor systems designed and built to allow for varying product flow levels
2 Sisters Food Group needed a food conveyor systems installation to transport their potato products from existing line equipment to a new food transfer pump. Within the final process, the UK-based food manufacturer also needed to be able to dynamically weigh the potatoes.
£650k CDM large capacity flour silo installation
FEG were commissioned by GM in the UK to Project Manage a £650K cost saving project under CDM to install larger capacity flour silos and batch weighing facility.
McVitie’s site restored and at full production 6 months after flooding
FEG Ltd were appointed as Principal Contractor to get a flooded McVitie’s biscuit factory back up and running at the earliest opportunity.
Organic Production Facility for Mcvitie’s
We were commissioned by McVitie’s to project manage a new ingredients feed and mixing system for a start-up organic facility. At a value of £1m the project included our operating under full CDM duty holder responsibilities.
Industrial odour Issue solved for high temperature frying factory environment
Our client Essentia came to us after having received an environmental notice for an industrial odour issue from its proteins frying factory. Our experience showed us that a typical combination of scrubbers would not be adequate for this project, given the variation in contaminants that had to be removed from the air.
Odour Acridity Issue Solved for Seafood Manufacturer
Our team of odour experts worked to develop a new liquid gas scrubber* solution that worked in a 3-stage process to remove all composites from the gas.
New Curried Food Production Area
In this case study we helped a long-term client to maximise use of space and equipment for best efficiency during a long-term phased factory expansion …
Flexible dynamic weighing food conveyor systems designed and built to allow for varying product flow levels
2 Sisters Food Group needed a food conveyor systems installation to transport their potato products from existing line equipment to a new food transfer pump. Within the final process, the UK-based food manufacturer also needed to be able to dynamically weigh the potatoes.
Design and installation of new docking rollers to reduce downtime and wastage
We designed a docking roller system to reduce wastage and downtime for this baked foods manufacturer.
Designing a conveyor system for new pizza line that maximises existing equipment
Our expert team of engineers designed and installed a conveyor system for a new pizza line that maximised the use of existing equipment.
Cradle-to-grave £6.5m factory production line extension
We were appointed Principal Contractor for this £6.5m factory extension project, which involved converting a warehouse into a high care food production area and incorporating it into the main factory.
£3.8m turnkey high capacity pastry production line project
We were commissioned by General Mills to undertake a £3.8m project to install a new high capacity frozen pastry production line, from feasibility to hand-over.
Talk to us today about your next CAPEX or site-level project.