A recipe for innovation: Prática’s success with Prima Power

Prática, a Brazilian company specializing in industrial bakery and kitchen equipment, provides more than just enhanced kitchen productivity. This expansive 20,000 m² facility has continuously adapted to decades of technological advancements, economic changes, and unwavering dedication to its mission: to help clients prepare high-quality food without waste. From a humble beginning in Pouso Alegre, Prática has turned into a major player in the global food processing equipment market. The company’s journey reflects resilience, Brazilian pride, and its commitment to industrial progress. Founded in 1991 by entrepreneurial brothers Luiz and Andre Rezende, Prática Brazil emerged from their shared passion for energy-efficient bakery equipment and sheet metal fabrication. They recognized the economic fluctuations and constant challenges posed by energy pricing on food processors’ profitability. Although imported equipment was reliable, they saw manufacturing equipment in Brazil as a way to create positive opportunities for the industry.

Redefining Brazilian kitchen manufacturing

Prática’s core values of innovation and willingness to improve found a new solution in mid-2004 when a trusted distributor introduced Prática’s team to Prima Power machinery. At the time, Luiz Rezende, who was managing a smaller family-owned shop, acquired a CO2 laser cutter. This machine made a big difference, ramping up productivity and driving growth.  
The Rezende brothers’ dedication to the business always involved reinvesting into the operation. By 2006, Prática was expanding to include a cooking area, almost like a lab, to enhance and perfect the practice of bakery manufacturing. This led the management team to invest in additional equipment from the same supplier, a C5 turret punch press. All Prática-manufactured equipment needed holes, louvers, and vents. The C5 improved the quality and speed of all punching operations. Partnering with Prima Power fostered a new era of production flow for the Brazilian manufacturer.  

Automation, Prática’s recipe for innovation

“By establishing a productive and profitable partnership with Prima Power, Prática propelled its manufacturing process into a new era, characterized by advanced automation”, explained Luiz. With increased sales and plans to automate the entire factory process, in 2012 Prática sold its entry-level machines and geared up for the next level of productivity. Collaborating with the Prima Power technical and sales team, Prática further enhanced its processes with automations. The company successfully installed the Night Train FMS along with the fully automated FBe Bending Center, the LPe (Laser Punch Combi), and a Shear Genius. This fully-automated system was the first of its kind for the Brazilian market. According to Luiz: “The adoption of the Prima Power Night Train FMS was a breakthrough success in production speed, advanced storage control, employee safety, and process modernization.” 
These decisive investments allowed the company to establish dominance in the market with its robust line of innovative ovens for the industrial and bakery sectors. The expansion propelled Prática onto the global stage, opening subsidiaries first in neighboring Chile and later in the flourishing United States.  

Strengthening production with local service support

Prática has set up a local technical assistance and maintenance agreement focusing on preventive maintenance. By regularly collaborating with local Prima Power technical support, they optimize spare part efficiency and address issues effectively. “Along with consistent data on production efficiency without material losses and rework costs, we appreciate the local service support,” adds Luiz.

Looking ahead: Prática’s plans for growth

Today, Prática champions its capabilities not only through modular upgrades to their manufacturing line but also by sharing the productivity benefits of Prima Power equipment with other Brazilian manufacturers. In 2023, Prática advanced further by investing in multiple upgrades to its manufacturing line. “By upgrading the original Night Train’s hardware and software, we gained additional raw material capacity, finished or semi-finished part buffering space, and enhanced material handling for the updated production flow”, points out Luiz.  In late 2023, Prática showcased its dedication and partnership with Prima Power South America by hosting an Open House at its flagship factory. Luiz spent the day with the Prima Power team and prospective clients, demonstrating how the equipment enhanced operations. Through plant tours, discussion sessions lead by Edgar Carvalho, Pratica’s Printing supervisor, and a live look at process efficiencies, it was clear that Prática and Prima Power are a recipe for productivity. Luiz highlighted the newest equipment addition, The Laser Genius+, discussing its speed, enhanced automation, and how its quality supports the final product’s assembly. The roster of Prima Power assets at Prática continues to expand its capabilities and output. In addition to showcasing the new laser, Prática’s Industrial Director, Douglas Vale, demonstrated their two new servo-electric press brakes for larger parts. The fully servo-electric eP brakes are efficient and have low energy consumption, fully aligned with Prática’s commitment to environmentally conscious processes. Prática is a modern model for forward-thinking manufacturers, showcasing pride in Brazilian manufacturing with sophisticated and efficient industrial kitchen products. Guided by strong values, a steadfast commitment, and the mission to help clients prepare quality food without waste.