Heidelberg Group advances bakery automation with Bradman Lake equipment

Heidelberg Group has taken a significant step towards automation and efficiency in its bakery operations with the purchase of cutting-edge packaging equipment from Bradman Lake.

The first order, placed in early 2020, included two LB90 Reciprocating Slicers and two IBPRO Bread Baggers, designed to streamline the packaging of tinned and free-bake bread. A second order followed in early 2025, featuring an additional LB90 reciprocating standalone Slicer, complete with powered outfeed deck and a hand-fed IBPRO Bun Bagger, further enhancing flexibility across production lines.

The LB90 reciprocating Slicer features a reciprocating blade system for efficient slicing with minimal crumb loss. These slicers are synchronized with the baggers, ensuring consistent feed rates and optimal line efficiency. The modular design allows for easy adjustments to slice thickness and even enables whole loaf bagging by removing the cutting frames.

Complementing the slicers, the IBPRO Bread Bagging Machine is recognized as the world’s most advanced bagging system, engineered for high-speed performance and minimal downtime. With ergonomic controls, it offers a complete solution for large-scale bakeries. Its dynamic inline system ensures smooth product transitions and precise bagging, accommodating a wide range of bread sizes, coupled with a three tray wicket changer for automatic bag changes, the IBPRO offers 24/7 operation and reliability.

The second order includes a standalone LB90 slicer that is compatible with the initial two IBPRO Baggers, and new IBPRO Bun Bagger that supports hand-loading of sliced bread, offering a practical solution for managing excess production from the main bread lines.

Daniel Bissell, Vice President of Heidelberg Group, said: We chose Bradman Lake because their packaging equipment met—and in many areas exceeded—our expectations. Their systems offer outstanding automation and flexibility to handle a variety of bread and bun sizes, along with a modular design that supports easy integration and scalability. Our experience with the first order was excellent, including a smooth and successful virtual Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). We also received exceptional support from Joey Barfe, Bradman Lake’s Technical Sales Manager, whose expertise in the bakery industry was instrumental throughout the process. Bradman Lake’s flexible systems have positioned us well to meet increasing production demands and adapt quickly to future needs.

This strategic investment reinforces Heidelberg Group’s ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence in the bakery sector.