[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”90%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”18px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In our latest interview, Nick shares what 25 years of experience<\/em><\/strong> in bakery automation have taught him.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Nicolas-Croteau-Rexfab.jpeg” alt=”Electromagnets and its impact on the bakery and food industry” title_text=”Nicolas Croteau Rexfab” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Nicolas Croteau” quote_icon_color=”#0C71C3″ quote_icon_background_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”44px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_font=”||on||||||” body_font_size=”22px” global_colors_info=”{}”]\u201cI don\u2019t see myself as an expert \u2014 I see myself as someone with experience who has lived the evolution of the bakery industry.[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]How do you feel of being an expert of Rexfab?<\/strong><\/p>\n First of all, [laughs] I don\u2019t consider myself an expert. I see myself as someone with experience\u2014someone who has seen the evolution of the bakery industry, who has lived through the changes, and who has seen how customer needs have evolved over time. We make a point of staying up to date with new technologies so we can always bring solutions that help customers improve their processes and production, and become more efficient..<\/p>\n How long have you been doing this?<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s been a little over twenty-five years that I\u2019ve been doing this now, yes.<\/p>\n And what is it that you do?<\/strong><\/p>\n Right now, what I do is develop solutions for customers. I work based on input from the sales team, and then, depending on customer requests, we develop different solutions. First and foremost, it\u2019s about understanding the customer\u2019s needs\u2014understanding what the customer is really looking for. Sometimes, that also means asking questions to see a bit beyond what the customer initially identifies as their need. That can allow us, at times, to identify other issues that are located elsewhere than where the original request for intervention or help is. Sometimes it helps us realize that the problem may actually be another part of the process, either upstream or downstream. It can be related to mechanics, automation, operations, interventions, or maintenance.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”22px” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n \u201cMy role is to help customers understand their real needs \u2014 sometimes even the ones they don\u2019t see yet.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Are customers always clear about what they need? Do they really know what they want at the time?<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, yes. Sometimes it\u2019s very clear. Customers can identify the issues or needs, or sometimes it\u2019s simply about changing the process entirely. So we don\u2019t start from a blank page, but the goal is to change something. It can be a new plant, for example. In a new plant, we\u2019re looking to propose a better solution based on the type of product the customer will be making.<\/p>\n What proportion would you say of customers are very clear about their needs, and how many are not?<\/strong><\/p>\n What I\u2019m about to say, you probably won\u2019t want to put it in writing, because it might [laughs] frustrate customers\u2014but more and more, people don\u2019t have the experience or a full understanding of their own plant. So they need people with experience to develop solutions, to understand problems they\u2019re facing that sometimes they aren\u2019t even aware of.<\/p>\n Would you say you\u2019re one of those people customers need to better understand their operational problems?<\/strong><\/p>\n In some situations, yes, I can play that role. Not in every aspect of a bakery\u2014there are areas I don\u2019t master, like ingredients or certain internal processes such as shipping. But everything that happens between the mixer and shipping, we have strong knowledge to help develop solutions for customers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”22px” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]\u201cCustomers don\u2019t always know where the real problem is \u2014 and that\u2019s where experience makes the difference…. Asking the right questions often changes the entire solution.\u201d[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Can you give a few examples where you helped customers clarify their needs\u2014cases where they came in with one request, and after discussions, things changed?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes\u2026 I\u2019m thinking. Another example: some systems used to space products in coolers actually create more problems than they solve. Products become misaligned and arrive disorganized at packaging. Sometimes customers believe these systems help, but in reality, they cause bigger issues.<\/p>\n Other times, it\u2019s about transfers\u2014conveyors, feeding machines, controlling products, accumulation and buffering to reduce stops and jams. Helping customers realize where the real issue is can completely change the solution.<\/p>\n Very good example. What reactions do customers have when they go through this learning process and see the simplicity of the design?<\/strong><\/p>\n For customers who already work with us, this is exactly the service they expect\u2014developing solutions before even supplying equipment. That\u2019s why they come back. For new customers, it\u2019s about demonstrating how we can help compared to other expertise in the market. Sometimes cost can be a challenge, but the key is showing the value of having engaged people who truly care about customer needs.<\/p>\n If I were your customer and said, \u201cNick, help me increase capacity and improve my packaging line,\u201d what would you do first?<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s always the same question: what is currently limiting your production? What causes the most downtime? Sometimes people think packaging is the problem, but it\u2019s actually an upstream system that stops. You have to identify what causes the most frequent stops, then their duration, and work from there.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”22px” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]”Our portfolio was built through real customer problems, not from a catalog.”[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n How often does the customer know the answer to those questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of the time they know which element is problematic. Sometimes it\u2019s just one step that causes a stop and can be fixed easily. Then the second issue turns out to be more complex.<\/p>\n What happens when a customer asks for something you\u2019ve never done before?<\/strong><\/p>\n Two possibilities: either it\u2019s within our expertise and we move forward with the customer, or we guide them toward another supplier. We won\u2019t take on a project if we can\u2019t truly help.<\/p>\n Do you have examples of projects you hadn\u2019t done before but still helped with?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. For example, a pan accumulator (\u201cbuffer\u201d). We developed it for a customer and now it\u2019s a product we can offer. Many of our current products started that way. Pan stackers, basket systems, pan cleaners\u2014customers came to us with problems and asked if we could do better. Through partnerships, we developed solutions like the pan inverter cleaner, electric stackers and unstackers. That\u2019s how our portfolio grew.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”22px” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n “A good solution isn\u2019t just for today \u2014 it\u2019s designed for the future.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Once you understand the customer\u2019s need, what are the three main steps you follow to design a solution?<\/strong><\/p>\n Once we have all the information\u2014products, capacities, plant layout\u2014we design the solution. If it\u2019s clearly defined, we lay out the equipment and conveyors, present the technical capabilities, and make sure the solution will never be the bottleneck in the future. If there are multiple options, we present different scenarios\u2014more space, more flexibility, more compact layouts\u2014so the customer can choose based on priorities and budget.<\/p>\n How long should a well-designed solution last?<\/strong><\/p>\n Twenty-five years.<\/p>\n We often replace equipment that\u2019s 20\u201330 years old. That\u2019s what we aim for.<\/p>\n Wow! \u00a0Why am I better off working with you instead of buying equipment myself and integrating it?<\/strong><\/p>\n Because we\u2019re present throughout the entire process\u2014from solution development to installation and service. If there\u2019s a problem, we stay involved until we deliver what we committed to.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|on||||||” text_orientation=”center” text_font_size=”22px” text_text_color=”#0C71C3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]\u201cThere are no small projects \u2014 sometimes one conveyor changes everything.”[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”24px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_line_height_tablet=”1.4em” header_2_line_height_phone=”1.2em” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Have you seen projects go wrong?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes. When that happens, we create a tactical team, involve engineering, redesign if needed, and reinvest time and resources to make it work\u2014even if it wasn\u2019t planned.<\/p>\n That says a lot about your company philosophy.<\/strong><\/p>\n Exactly.<\/p>\n Could you do your job alone, without your colleagues?<\/strong><\/p>\n No. Nothing is done by one individual. It takes engineering, procurement, fabrication, logistics, installation\u2014many different expertise working together.<\/p>\n Sounds like a great place to work.<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s incredible.<\/p>\n Perfect. Thank you very much, Nick.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”24″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cThe real problem isn\u2019t always where you think it is.\u201d<\/p>\n In our latest interview, Nick shares what 25 years of experience in bakery automation have taught him:<\/p>\n \u25cf Sometimes packaging isn\u2019t the issue.
[pause, laughter]
There are many examples. We tend to remember the more recent ones. One recent project: customers asked us to integrate spiral conveyors to move pans in steeply inclined sections. I explained that we also build pan cleaners where pans are inverted. Having steep inclines to move pans quickly\u2014often conveyors are kept high to free floor space\u2014can seem risky. But we have tools like magnetic conveyors and other technologies that allow us to keep conveyors simple, manage steep inclines, and maintain full control of the pans. Customers are often afraid of this at first, but once it\u2019s installed, they see the simplicity and the benefits.<\/p>\n
\n \u25cf Sometimes the bottleneck is upstream.
\n \u25cf Sometimes the solution isn\u2019t adding equipment \u2014 it\u2019s redesigning the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3584,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3578"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3578\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3599,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3578\/revisions\/3599"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rexfab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}