Johnstone’s Food Service bakery in East Kilbride specialises in creating high-quality food-to-go and single-serve treats for leading retailers across the UK. As part of the Finsbury Food Group, the site continues to invest in efficient, reliable production systems to meet growing demand while maintaining its renowned standards of quality and consistency.
Challenge
To support its busy production schedule, Johnstone’s required a robust and energy-efficient steam solution to power critical bakery processes. The system needed to be delivered as a compact, containerised installation with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Tight site deadlines and coordination with the client’s production schedule meant the project demanded precise planning, clear communication, and a seamless delivery from start to finish.
Solution
We supplied and installed a Fulton vertical steam boiler with a blowdown vessel, along with a custom-built stainless steel hotwell tank, all housed within a purpose-built container. The bespoke hotwell tank was designed and fabricated in-house by our engineering team to meet Johnstone’s exact specifications.
Throughout the project, we maintained close communication with the client, providing regular progress updates and technical support. Our team carried out all installation works within the container, followed by final connection support to the existing system. A full pre-commissioning check was completed before Fulton engineers conducted the final commissioning process.
Despite a few scheduling adjustments to align with the bakery’s production timetable, the installation went smoothly and to plan. The result was a clean, well-organised system that reflects our commitment to quality workmanship and reliability.
Carl Knight, UK Director at Fulton, added: “This project exemplifies Fulton’s commitment to delivering steam solutions that meet the exacting needs of modern food production. Working closely with James Ramsay, we were able to deliver a solution that not only provides the reliability and efficiency required for Johnstone’s Food Service’s demanding bakery operations, but also minimises disruption and positions them well for future growth.
Impact
The new boiler system provides Johnstone’s Food Service with improved efficiency, reliability, and control across its production lines. The containerised design ensures easy maintenance access and future scalability while minimising disruption to the site’s day-to-day operations.
For James Ramsay, this project further strengthens our long-standing relationship with the client and demonstrates our expertise in delivering bespoke steam system solutions that meet the high demands of modern food production environments.
Christopher Liddell, Site Engineering Lead at Finsbury Food Group, said: “I have had a long-standing and trusted relationship with James Ramsay’s over the years, and I continue to be impressed by the team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and consistent support.”
