Founded in 2014, Amel Susan is a Nigerian food company specializing in breakfast cereals, cocoa beverages, and baking products. As a valued PFS client since 2018, they have actively leveraged PFS services to enhance their operations.

One of their recent requests was for advice on procuring automated packaging lines for their icing sugar products. Having expanded their factory, Amel Susan needed expert guidance on selecting packaging lines that fit their new space. Though their primary request was for supplier recommendations, they also sought solutions for dust control, vibration mitigation, process flow optimization, and maximizing the efficiency of their grinding machines.

To support this project, PFS matched Amel Susan with Iluobe Osazemhen, a Bühler automation engineer. Iluobe brings extensive expertise, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Nigeria, a master’s in automation and control engineering from Scotland, and an advanced diploma in industrial automation from Canada. After working with Bühler in Nigeria, he now serves as a customer service automation engineer in Canada, providing technical support to Bühler’s North American clients.

“I have gained diverse experience in problem-solving, workplace culture, and technical skills from the various countries I have lived in. Volunteering with PFS allows me to apply these skills to processors in need, aligning with PFS’ vision,” shared Iluobe.

Iluobe’s first step in the project was to understand Amel Susan’s current processes and long-term goals. By actively listening to and engaging with their engineering team, he helped streamline the selection process, ensuring the chosen solution aligned with their needs. Several factors were carefully considered throughout the process. This included the client’s budget; the equipment’s warranty; availability and cost of spare parts; technical support and maintenance feasibility; as well as scalability of the equipment and future upgrades. Through vendor research and local site visits by the Amel Susan team, they successfully identified and selected a packaging solution that met their needs. “With a ‘Kaizen’ (a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement) mindset, I always strive to leave systems better than I found them," said Iluobe. "This project demonstrated how process changes can significantly boost productivity and seeing the client’s satisfaction at the end—that feeling is priceless.”

Last August, we announced that Diane Hoffman, creative manager at the J.M Smucker Co., had won PFS’ Trip to Africa campaign based on her contributions as a volunteer and being an active recruiter at her company. We’re excited to share highlights from Diane’s visit to Kenya last month!  

During her trip she visited several PFS clients, including the dairy companies Caritas Dairy and Wimssy Dairy; honey and nut processor Bee-Care Apiaries International and macadamia nut processor, Exotic EPZ Limited. She toured their various facilities, met with some staff and observed their production and packaging processes. She also visited a local design studio, Pipo Brands Design Studio, that PFS collaborates with. With her design background and experience, she was also able to discuss challenges and opportunities in package design with the clients during the visits. 

“Meeting the clients was incredibly meaningful, as it allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations and impact. I developed a deeper appreciation for their contributions to local farmers and communities, as well as the various ways PFS is empowering them to succeed in areas beyond my discipline,” Diane said. 

One key observation she made was the difference in scale and technology between Kenya’s food industry and the U.S. While U.S. facilities tend to be larger and more automated, many Kenyan businesses rely on labor-intensive, traditional methods. She was also impressed by the broader impact of these businesses, from job creation to environmental sustainability. “I was pleasantly surprised to see other aspects of the food process being addressed at the facilities, such as a tailor sewing beekeeper suits and employees crafting beehives at Bee-Care, rather than outsourcing these tasks or handling them at separate facilities,” she shared. Another key takeaway was the power of individual volunteering. Even without deep expertise in certain fields, Diane saw firsthand how volunteers' contributions can make a meaningful difference.  

It wasn’t all just work though! She spent time with the PFS team in Kenya, went on a tour of a coffee farm and visited the Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Manor. “Thank you PFS for this incredible opportunity. The experience has given me countless memories and invaluable insights that will greatly enhance my future volunteer work,” Diane said. 

We are glad Diane had a wonderful experience and are grateful to volunteers like her who continue to make a difference to our clients! 

Jimmy Cherutoi’s apprenticeship with Limuru Dairy in Kenya gave him the opportunity to take on meaningful projects that expanded his skills and confidence.  One striking example was when he was tasked with designing and sizing an efficient chilling system for their factory. It was daunting to him as a newcomer, but he succeeded at it with guidance from PFS volunteers.  

Through the apprenticeship, he also developed skills in production utilities maintenance, machine design, fabrication, and installation. He learned how to draft standard operating procedures and gained insights into food safety management systems like HACCP. His mentorship with General Mills’ Lisa Wacek also stood out as an incredible learning journey which he will never forget. The entire experience strengthened his resolve to be a renowned mechanical engineering expert. We wish Jimmy the very best in his career! 

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Process Engineering from the University of Ghana, Kenneth Odjamgba was placed as an apprentice with PFS client Macks Commodities Ltd in 2022.  

Kenneth served as a quality assurance officer during his apprenticeship. The apprenticeship provided him with first-hand insight into quality management and production processes, which aligned perfectly with his academic background.  

He also developed leadership and organizational skills, and gained a deeper understanding of how standards and processes are implemented in the food processing industry to ensure consumer safety. 

With the guidance of his supervisors, who entrusted him with challenging tasks and offered professional support, Kenneth grew both personally and professionally.  

He was also mentored by General Mills’ volunteer Andres Felipe Ruiz who offered him guidance in food product development and helped him navigate real-world projects. After his apprenticeship ended, Kenneth was retained full-time by Macks Industries, where he has continued to grow and make an impact!                                                              

Fun fact: Kenneth and another former PFS apprentice, Papa Essel Opoku (pictured below), developed the recipe for Macks Commodities’ new fufu flour blend!