When Cascade Fruit Company wanted to expand product capability and total capacity, it had one problem -- not enough space in its 23,000 sq.-ft. facility to place additional equipment. The company processes and dries a wide range of infused fruit products and vegetables. Various product sizes, moisture levels and drying parameters made The Dalles, OR, processor's dehydrating requirements difficult to meet.
"Flexibility was a major consideration when we needed to upgrade our drying process," says Ron Wherry, special projects manager at Cascade Fruit. "We had been using a tray and rack system located on a trailer adjacent to the plant."