Articles

Five New Technologies for Inspection

Lab testing will always be the gold standard in food inspection, but rising throughput rates are leading to more quality assurance at the point of production.
Post Date: 05/06/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

Advancements In Servo Technology Drive Efficiency Gains In Food Processing

Induction motors are power-supply workhorses, but the most significant efficiency gains are occurring with servo motors and drives.
Post Date: 05/02/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

Dairy Processing Equipment Transitions from Tanks to Technology

Stainless steel tanks and kettles are synonymous with dairy manufacturing, but the long-term trend is toward continuous processes that don't require the tools of batch.
Post Date: 04/29/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

Making a Case for Capital Spending

Splicing the genes of an accountant and an engineer might help cost-justify plant improvement projects, but a dash of showmanship and passion also help build capex consensus.
Post Date: 04/10/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

2013 Capital Spending Outlook: Processors Invest in the Tools of Production, Not Brick and Mortar

Balance sheets look strong, but food companies are holding the line on capital projects, projecting only a 5.4 percent increase this year.
Post Date: 04/09/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

Rare Earth and Power: Advanced Magnets May Improve Future Motors

Rare earth permanent magnets are being incorporated in NEMA induction motors — plus other recent developments in motor efficiency and performance.
Post Date: 03/13/2013
Author: Kevin T. Higgins, Managing Editor

Food Manufacturers Seek Alternatives for Wastewater Treatment

In-plant wastewater and odor treatment continues to migrate to a biological systems approaches.
Post Date: 03/12/2013
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

Protein Processors Face Higher Risk With Food Safety Issues

Meat, poultry and fish plants face familiar issues within new parameters.
Post Date: 02/13/2013
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

FSMA Changes Pest Control for Food Manufacturers

The Food Safety Modernization Act and Global Food Safety Initiative audits make processors rethink their pest management programs.
Post Date: 02/05/2013
Author: Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief

2013 Manufacturing Trends Survey: Labor, not Energy, the Concern in 2013

While economic uncertainty remains, respondents expect more growth.
Post Date: 01/09/2013
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

Retort Processing Shakes Up New Interest

From agitation to AGVs to software, this old-school manufacturing process continues to evolve.
Post Date: 01/08/2013
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

Cleaning and Sanitation Equipment Keep Processing Plants Profitable and Compliant

Sanitation equipment suppliers are designing machines that not only meet the high standards for customer cleanliness, but also for regulatory compliance as well.
Post Date: 12/12/2012
Author: Bob Sperber, Technical Editor

2012 Processor of the Year: Evolving From an Ancient Yogurt Factory

Chobani as a manufacturer began with a winding-down Breyers plant and a Small Business loan.
Post Date: 12/06/2012
Author: Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief

Case Study: Better Malt Makes Better Beer

And better malt results from a breakdown-free process at Malteurop North America, thanks to triple-sealed bearings.
Post Date: 11/14/2012
Author:

Getting the Most From a Plant Sale

Too many companies rush to sell off equipment, cannibalizing the value of the real estate.
Post Date: 10/29/2012
Author: Jeffrey Counsell, CB Richard Ellis

More Variety Means More Efficiencies for Confectionery Manufacturers

Sanitary pumps and other clean in place equipment are the key components to modern candy-making.
Post Date: 10/10/2012
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

Newest Mixing And Blending Technologies Reach Down To Labs And Up To Mega-Plants

Laboratory and pilot plants had historically relied on more basic mixing gear. That's all about to change.
Post Date: 10/10/2012
Author: David Phillips, Plant Operations Editor

Food Processing Awards Hormel Foods/Progressive Processing 2012 Green Plant of the Year

Being able to produce high-quality products in a sustainable and energy-efficient facility garnered Hormel's Progressive Processing facility in Dubuque, Iowa our third annual prize.
Post Date: 09/07/2012
Author: Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief

Food Business Mergers And Acquisitions Up In 2011, But Slow In Second Half

The Food Institute recorded a total of 381 mergers in the larger food and beverage industry in 2011, an increase of about 20 percent over the 317 deals in 2010.
Post Date: 08/13/2012
Author: Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief

Top 100 Food and Beverage Companies for 2012: Splitting in Two

When it comes to our annual ranking of the 100 largest food and beverage companies in the U.S. and Canada, 2011 was a tougher year for profitability than 2010 was.
Post Date: 08/13/2012
Author: Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief