He helps firm behind DoDo fishballs stay at forefront of innovation

Exec’s interest in production and optimisation has been a driving force throughout his career

- Sue-Ann Tan

Exploration and innovation are two things Mr Ben Neo loves.

He cut his teeth in manufacturing at technology company IBM, where he worked for five years. He also spent five years at packaging manufacturer glass Owens-Illinois Plastics.

These days, he is sinking his teeth into fishballs as deputy chief operating officer of Thong Siek

Global, the firm behind the DoDo fishballs that have become a household name here.

The company traces its beginnings to the 1970s as a family-run operation. It is now under the reins of chief executive Novelle Lim, a second-generation leader of the firm.

As for Mr Neo, he sees his role as one of keeping the company at the forefront of innovation in the food industry. He invests his time and energy in trying new automation processes that can improve the efficiency and work environment of those involved in manufacturing fish-based products.

Among his best investments for the firm are a liquid nitrogen freezer that cost $700,000 and an auto weigher that cost $1.1 million, which have significantly contributed to efficiency and processing capabilities, he said.

"The investments have been instrumental in transforming our production processes, improving processing timing by 50 per cent, and allowing us to meet market demands more efficiently and maintain a competitive edge." Food manufacturing has unique challenges that make it different from other forms of manufacturing that Mr Neo has encountered before, such as electronics. In food manufacturing, time and patience are needed to achieve precision, because food products vary from one another more than electronic parts, for instance.

"In essence, while the core machinery and processes may share similarities, the dynamic nature of food manufacturing demands a level of flexibility and creativity that sets it apart from other industries," he said.