Food processing plants run on efficiency. Every minute of downtime means lost production, wasted materials, and unexpected costs. But keeping equipment running smoothly isn’t just about fixing things when they break—it’s about preventing problems before they start.

One of the best ways to maximize equipment lifespan is:

Preventative maintenance – Regular upkeep that keeps machines running at peak efficiency.

This strategy helps to reduce downtime, cut costs, and ensure food safety compliance, but knowing the right plan of action can be challenging.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance isn’t complicated — but it does require consistency. Unfortunately, some of the most critical maintenance tasks are also the easiest to overlook. And when small issues go unnoticed, they often turn into big, expensive problems.

CPM Field Service Supervisor Lazaro Mirallespupo has spent years in the field, diagnosing equipment failures that could have been prevented with routine upkeep. Here are the top benefits of preventative maintenance. 

1. Saves Time
   • Prevents unexpected breakdowns that disrupt production.
   • Keeps equipment running without costly delays.

2. Saves Money
   • Routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.
   • Reduces the need for rush orders on parts and service calls.

3. Extends Equipment Life
   • Machines last longer when components are properly maintained.
   • Reduces wear and tear, keeping equipment in service for years to come.

4. Prevents Surprise Failures
   • Catching issues early means fixing them before they cause downtime.
   • Regular inspections help avoid catastrophic breakdowns.

Top Areas for Preventative Maintenance in Food Processing

Not all maintenance tasks are created equal. Some have a bigger impact on equipment performance, efficiency, and safety than others.

All maintenance is important, but Lazaro sees these key areas delivering the biggest benefits. 

1. Burner System: Keep It Clean, Keep It Efficient

Burners are the heart of ovens, dryers, and roasting equipment—but when they aren’t properly maintained, efficiency drops fast. Dirty burners and clogged filters force systems to work harder, leading to uneven heating, higher energy costs, and unexpected shutdowns.

“If your burner isn’t clean, your whole process suffers. You’ll waste fuel, lose efficiency, and create temperature inconsistencies that hurt product quality.” – Lazaro Mirallespupo

2. Chain & Conveyor Systems: Lubrication is Everything

Conveyors keep production moving, but chains and belts can take a beating—especially when lubrication is ignored. Stretching, cracking, and misalignment can slow production, damage products, and cause costly downtime.

3. Airflow & Seals: Keep the System Breathing

Whether it’s a dryer, oven, or cooling system, proper airflow is critical for maintaining consistent product quality. If seals and dampers aren’t working properly, hot and cold spots can develop, leading to uneven drying or roasting—and ultimately wasted product.

4. Wiring & Electrical Systems: Small Issues Can Cause Big Failures

A single loose connection or frayed wire can lead to downtime, inconsistent machine performance, or even safety hazards. Electrical issues can be hard to spot, but catching them early prevents major disruptions.

5. Cleaning, Cleaning, Cleaning: The #1 Food Safety Priority

It’s not just about performance—cleaning is a food safety essential. Built-up residue, dust, and grease can cause contamination, equipment failures, and even fires.

“Cleaning isn’t just about food safety—it’s about preventing breakdowns. A dirty machine is an inefficient, high-risk machine.” – Lazaro Mirallespupo

Source: CPM

Insider Tip: Your Equipment Manufacturer Wants the Same Thing You Do

When it comes to keeping your equipment running smoothly and dependably, you and your equipment manufacturer are on the same team. You want maximum uptime, consistent performance, and fewer headaches—and so do they.

That’s why following OEM maintenance guidelines isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the best way to keep your machines operating at peak efficiency.

"Listen to the OEMs. We know what our equipment needs to function well, and we want that for you. If we’re telling you to do something, there’s a good reason. Do the maintenance listed in your manual at the prescribed intervals." – Lazaro Mirallespupo

The manufacturers who built and tested your equipment know exactly what it takes to keep it running strong. Stick to their recommendations, and you’ll avoid unnecessary downtime, costly repairs, and production slowdowns.

Ready to Maximize Your Equipment’s Performance? Let’s Talk.

Whether you need preventative maintenance guidance, a strategic retrofit plan or a full equipment upgrade, CPM has the expertise to help. Talk with Lazaro, or another member of our team who understands the challenges food processors face. We’re here to make sure your equipment runs efficiently, safely, and reliably for years to come.

 Talk to an expert about:
 ✔ Optimizing your preventative maintenance program
 ✔ Identifying smart retrofits to extend equipment life
 ✔ Exploring new equipment solutions for improved efficiency & compliance

Let’s find the best solution for your operation.

Email: contact@onecpm.com

Phone: 1 215-443-5200

 Aftermarket & Service | CPM