In the heart of the MENA region's thriving food manufacturing sector, MEPEQ stands out as a leader in automation and connectivity. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and efficiency, the company has played a crucial role in helping food manufacturers tackle challenges and achieve operational excellence.
MEPEQ is a leading provider of tailored automation and connectivity solutions for factories across various industries. With over 25 years of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering world class systems that optimise productivity for clients, including industry giants like Pepsi, Almarai, and Unilever. MEPEQ's expertise extends to both greenfield and brownfield sites, as they offer turnkey solutions for processing, filling, and packaging lines.
In an exclusive interview with Gulfood Manufacturing, Tony Meghabghab, Founder and CEO of MEPEQ, shared insights into the company's journey, its transformative solutions, and its vision for the future.
Exclusive Interview with Tony Meghabghab, Founder and CEO of MEPEQ:
Q. What specific challenges do food manufacturers face in adopting automation technologies, and how does MEPEQ address these challenges through tailored solutions?
In high-speed facilities, automation investments are often justified from an ROI perspective. However, many food manufacturing plants prefer producing a variety of products rather than maximising the output of a single product, making automation harder to justify. At MEPEQ, we design concepts that make automation more financially viable and adaptable for various applications.
Our success is not just in what we do, but how we do it. We meticulously handle every project, diving into the details of each application and engaging with all stakeholders—end users, project teams, and maintenance teams. By actively listening and addressing their concerns, we ensure project success from inception to the end of the application’s lifecycle.
Q. With advanced technologies rapidly evolving, how does MEPEQ ensure that its solutions remain cutting-edge, sustainable and relevant to the ever-changing demands of the food industry?
The rapid advancement of technology presents both opportunities and risks. At MEPEQ, we rigorously test and mature technological solutions before implementation. Our technical team evaluates each system’s interoperability, flexibility, and potential for future development. We adhere to international standards, ensuring our processes and outcomes meet the highest quality.
In terms of sustainability, automation inherently reduces waste by minimising errors. We select machine components with an emphasis on sustainability, focusing on low energy consumption and partnering with manufacturers committed to sustainable practices.
Q. Smart Manufacturing is a key focus for MEPEQ. Can you explain how you assess a factory's smart capabilities and the steps you take to guide them toward successful implementation of Industry 4.0 practices?
We use the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) to evaluate manufacturing facilities across three dimensions: internal processes and their level of automation and intelligence, the degree of automation and connectivity of technology used, and the organisation’s people and their interactions.
Our assessment identifies four key actions to enhance a facility’s current position. These actions are recommended based on their potential impact and feasibility. As manufacturers see tangible results from these actions, they are motivated to pursue further advancements, progressing toward a smart manufacturing facility and its benefits.
Q. The integration of processing, filling, and packaging lines is crucial for seamless operations. How does MEPEQ approach the design and implementation of these turnkey solutions for both greenfield and brownfield sites?
In one word, we are the orchestrators. We operate in two main dimensions:
1. As automation specialists, we coordinate actions among all machines to ensure the best possible performance.
2. As experienced integrators, we assist in selecting technology and suppliers best suited for specific applications on the production line.
Choosing the right components for a production line is crucial. At MEPEQ, we understand our customers’ current and future needs, translate them into technological requirements, and assess the available options. Once the machines are well-defined, we manage the entire project—implementation, training, and synchronisation of all functions in the production line.
Q. As the industry moves towards greater connectivity, what cybersecurity measures does MEPEQ recommend for food manufacturing facilities to protect their automated systems and data?
In the food industry, there is a growing emphasis on connectivity in the region. This allows for the implementation of Industry 4.0, bringing about various advantages. Due to the high demand, many service providers are entering the market, offering numerous solutions. However, some of these solutions may pose security risks for the factory's IT and OT operations. We advise our clients to thoroughly understand the architecture of any proposed solutions. It is important to benchmark them against regularly updated security standards and ensure that any procured software includes embedded security measures.
Q. The concept of intralogistics is gaining traction in food manufacturing. How does MEPEQ optimise intralogistics for its clients, and what impact does this have on overall operational efficiency?
We utilise the latest technology to optimise intralogistics, whether in packaging and raw material intake or in the collection of finished goods to warehouses. We connect floor equipment to gather data and monitor the status of raw and packaging material intake, and we deploy AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) to deliver packaging materials or dispense raw materials. When it comes to finished goods, we assess production output and distance to the warehouse to determine the best solution, which may involve shuttle systems, AGVs, or AMRs to link production lines with the warehouse.
Q. Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you foresee in food manufacturing automation, and how is MEPEQ positioning itself to adapt and lead in this evolving landscape?
Food manufacturers are facing increasingly demanding markets, with pressures related to product variety, pricing, quality, and global sustainability goals. To achieve these objectives, food factories need to invest in automation and digitalisation. At MEPEQ, we specialise in these areas and strive to provide cost-effective and adaptable automation solutions to support the advancement of food factories into the future. 
Gulfood Manufacturing offers an excellent opportunity to showcase our latest solutions tailored specifically for the food industry. We will feature a mobile Cobot Palletizing solution with a compact footprint, easy deployment, and programming, capable of collaborative work with humans. Additionally, we will present a digitalisation solution for the shop floor, enhancing connectivity and providing insights into production processes. This transparency empowers optimisation, reduces waste, and increases efficiency.
Join us at Gulfood Manufacturing to explore MEPEQ’s groundbreaking solutions firsthand. Visit their stand to see how our innovations in automation and connectivity can drive your food manufacturing operations to new heights at the show from 5-7 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Register today.
