An innovative family business, our success is underpinned by our founder, Harry Norman’s passion for technology and enthusiasm for change. We use automation and robotics to shake up the food industry and improve how our food is made.

Founded in 1993, initially the business supplied software to machine builders and directly to food manufacturers. Propelled by customer demand for automation, OAL soon began offering turnkey processing solutions, becoming a one-stop shop for systems comprising design, automation and support. Working with some of the biggest names in the food industry, the OAL team has completed hundreds of projects, delivering high quality results and outstanding support. This formative experience has helped us to understand the food industry inside out.

In 2001, the OAL Connected label and date code verification solution was launched. Our market leading system now secures >1200 food packaging lines to increase efficiency and avoid product recalls.

OAL then set up a dedicated innovation team, investing heavily in new technologies to disrupt the industry. The led to the development of Steam Infusion in 2013. Our heating, mixing and homogenising technology uses steam as the motive force and brings a whole host of benefits compared to traditional steam jacket technology. With a global network of integrators, food manufacturers across the world are increasing cooking capacity and developing exciting new food products with our patented Steam Infusion cooking process.

Our APRIL Robotics team strives to radically improve productivity, food safety and traceability through the application of technology in food processing. With our digital developments at both ends of the production line, we’re getting closer to a lights out food factory - bringing safety, profitability and environmental benefits across the board. And with the cost of robotics and automation falling, we can’t wait to see how we can change the food industry for the better together.

Industry

Food and drink, Mechanical electrical and process engineering

Regional

North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Scotland, Wales

International

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

Languages

French, Polish, Spanish