A machinery RFQ for a biscuit factory should begin with the products the plant intends to make, the required saleable output and the conditions at the site. Those facts determine the forming route, baking requirement, cooling layout and interfaces with packing. A list of machine names alone leaves too many assumptions for suppliers to make.

Describe the product mix

Identify each launch product and any product planned for a later phase. A moulded cookie normally calls for rotary moulding. A cracker or hard sweet biscuit typically needs sheeting, gauge reduction and rotary cutting; some products also require lamination. If the factory expects to run both dough families, state that requirement at the outset. It affects the line concept and the changeover discussion.

For each product, attach a recipe outline, target dimensions and weight, expected share of production, and pack format. Samples or drawings are useful when shape and surface detail matter. Sunbeam's product overview sets out its soft dough, hard dough and flexible line families.

Specify output and operating assumptions

State the output required for each product and where it will be measured. Machine-rated throughput and saleable biscuits at packing are different measures. Give the planned shifts, operating days, expected changeover frequency and future capacity requirement. Ask each bidder to show the assumptions behind its quoted output.

Do not choose a working width from a brochure in isolation. Ask how width, forming method, oven residence time and packing speed relate to the product brief. The line should be assessed as a connected system.

Send a site and utility pack

Include a dimensioned floor plan, clear height, equipment access route, intended packing location and any machinery that will remain in service. Add available electrical supply, fuel options, compressed air, ventilation and drainage information where relevant. Allow working space for cleaning, maintenance and product movement.

Compare responsibility, not just price

Ask each supplier to mark what it will design, manufacture, procure, integrate, install, commission and support. Identify buyer-supplied works and third-party equipment separately, particularly around ingredient handling and packing. If a quotation uses the word “turnkey,” require a written scope matrix rather than assuming every item is included.

Finally, agree how the line will be accepted: the test product, run conditions, measurements, documentation, training and sign-off process. These terms belong in the project specification and quotation.

  • RFQ starting pack: product schedule, target output by product, factory drawing, utility schedule, retained-equipment list and packing interface.

Next step: send those to Sunbeam to begin a line-configuration discussion, through the contact page.