Introduction: A Legacy of Innovation
Wyke Farms, a family-owned business based in the heart of Somerset, UK, has been producing award-winning cheddar for over 160 years. With a commitment to sustainability, Wyke Farms has built a reputation not only for its premium products but also for its groundbreaking environmental efforts. Its ‘100% Green’ initiative is a testament to Wyke Farms dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices, contributing significantly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
The Challenge: Scaling Sustainable Practices
As one of the largest independent cheesemakers in the UK, Wyke Farms faced the challenge of scaling its production while maintaining a low carbon footprint. In 2021, internal audits revealed that Wyke Farms’ carbon footprint was 20% lower than the UK national average. However, with increasing demand for its products, the company needed to ensure that production growth would not compromise its sustainability goals, especially in line with SDG 12, which focuses on sustainable production and resource efficiency.
Wyke Farms’ 100% Green Initiative Climate Promises
Through its 100% Green Initiative, Wyke Farms committed to eight key climate promises:
- Recovering heat in its dairy operations (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
- Producing all energy from renewable sources (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
- Reducing its carbon footprint through continuous investments (SDG 13: Climate Action)
- Encouraging wildlife in Somerset’s Brue Valley (SDG 15: Life on Land).
- Maximising the use of organic nitrogen to replace artificial fertilisers (SDG 2: Zero Hunger, with a focus on sustainable agriculture).
- Sharing sustainable practices with suppliers (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).
- Filtering and reusing wastewater (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation).
- Minimising packaging waste (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
Supporting Sustainability with Technology
To maintain the delicate balance between increased production and sustainability, Wyke Farms partnered with PEMAC, adopting PEMAC ASSETS, a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This digital solution enabled Wyke Farms to implement a planned preventive maintenance strategy across its production sites, supporting the achievement of its climate promises and contributing to multiple SDGs, such as SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by enabling more efficient industrial practices.
Driving Efficiency through PEMAC ASSETS CMMS
By introducing PEMAC ASSETS CMMS, Wyke Farms has been able to adopt a digital planned maintenance programme across its production sites, supporting the delivery of its climate promises in the following ways:
Extending Asset Life
Efficient maintenance practices, powered by PEMAC ASSETS CMMS, have extended the lifespan of Wyke Farms’ critical assets. By minimising equipment waste and avoiding frequent replacements, Wyke Farms reduces the carbon emissions linked to equipment disposal, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Improving Performance
With better asset management, Wyke Farms ensures that its equipment operates at peak efficiency. PEMAC ASSETS CMMS supports wastewater management, ensuring on-site systems are maintained effectively, reinforcing Wyke Farms’ commitment to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by filtering and reusing water.
Reducing Downtime
The implementation of a sophisticated preventive maintenance programme has significantly reduced production downtime. This enables Wyke Farms to maximise energy and material usage, contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting energy-efficient production processes.
Optimising Inventory
By streamlining stock levels and automating re-ordering processes, Wyke Farms has reduced emissions related to storage and transportation. This optimisation aligns with its goal of minimising waste (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production) while ensuring that essential parts are always available to keep production running smoothly.
A Look to the Future: Continued Innovation
As of September 2024, PEMAC ASSETS CMMS has been fully implemented across Wyke Farms’ production sites in Wincanton and Bruton, with plans for further expansion. The system’s mobile functionality and real-time data access have empowered Wyke Farms’ maintenance teams to make swift, informed decisions that support both efficiency and sustainability.
Conclusion: A Partnership for a Sustainable Future
Through its partnership with PEMAC, Wyke Farms is proving that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand. By contributing to the achievement of multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, Wyke Farms demonstrates how businesses can drive positive environmental impact while maintaining operational excellence. PEMAC is proud to support Wyke Farms’ journey towards a greener future, with innovative solutions that enable sustainable growth.
According to Jason Fewell, Wyke Farm’s Engineering Director, “The introduction of PEMAC ASSETS CMMS is supporting the advancement of Wyke Farms’ 100% Green and Net Positive Farming programs, as well as delivering major efficiency improvements and bottom-line benefits across the business.”
PEMAC looks forward to supporting the continued growth and crucial sustainability efforts of Wyke Farms through the development and expansion of our innovative CMMS software and services.
