OEE

RSS

Hormel’s Progressive Processing plant is built for the long haul. A quarter century had passed since Hormel Foods had commissioned a new production facility. In designing its Dubuque plant, engineers aimed to create a facility that would be contemporary for the next 25 years.

Teaching packaging machines to communicate. Thanks to open standards, packaging machine controls communicate up and down the line and with MES and ERP systems to provide key performance data.

Staff expansions and production efficiencies are bright spots in an industry feeling the effects of economic forces beyond its control.

Altering processes and procedures requires human involvement, but that doesn’t preclude technical support for continuous improvement efforts.

Speed always is a priority in packaging operations, but market realities are elevating other considerations for food and beverage professionals.

Faster fill times are nice, but a host of other considerations also are part of manufacturers’ value calculations. Those needs are evident in the systems being developed.

Food Engineering readers provide insight into how their companies are recalibrating inventory needs to meet production demands.

Projects surge slightly as processors find value to be gained in upgrading existing facilities.

Need-to-know manufacturing concepts and professional contacts kept food professionals engaged during the annual Food Engineering conference.

Power transmission technology is in flux, and that adds up to a wealth of options for food and beverage manufacturers.