Automation
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Home Chef packaging line
Editor's Note

Not all food plants strive for automation

While Kraft Heinz plant is automated, Home Chef focuses on adaptability
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Debra Schug
April 11, 2018
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It’s April, and that means it’s time to announce FE’s Plant of the Year. This year, we are proud to name Kraft Heinz as the recipient for its deli meat facility, built by Gray Construction, located in Davenport, Iowa.
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employees on packaging line
Plant of the Year

Inside the 2018 Food Plant of the Year: Kraft Heinz

Advanced automation simplifies deli meat production at winning Kraft Heinz food plant
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Debra Schug
April 9, 2018
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Food Engineering recognizes Kraft Heinz as its 2018 Food Plant of the Year. The first completed greenfield project for one of the largest food companies in the world results in a truly state-of-the art deli meat processing facility.
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United Natural Foods Inc. distribution center

Building a Future Food Factory, Part 5: Labor

How to get the workers you need to run highly automated food and beverage plants
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Debra Schug
February 21, 2018
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How do you ensure you get people with the right skill sets when picking a location for your new food or beverage plant? The first thing to consider is identifying an area’s tech school base and that they focus on what you need done at your plant.
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ABB
Automation

China turns to robotics to solve labor shortage problems

With China's working-age population falling, labor costs are sky-rocketing, and robotics may be the solution
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Wayne Labs
February 15, 2018
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China has been a leader in mass production—with lots of manual labor— but coming shortages in China’s working-age population have experts concerned. In the past, labor was plentiful, and automation was not seen as a necessity.


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SugarCreek process control system
Automation Series

Processors use technology to improve employee engagement

New tools are available for processors wanting to connect their workers, but to succeed, companies must have a business plan, transparent communications and a mindset for continuous improvement.
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Wayne Labs
February 7, 2018
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Before you look at technology solutions to motivate and engage your employees, you need first to evaluate your company’s workplace environment.
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collaborative robot

Building a future food factory, Part 4: Automation

Food and beverage plants are increasingly employing more advanced automation, which can affect operations at a future facility.
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Debra Schug
January 23, 2018
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In the previous parts of this series, we considered the aspects of land, locale and logistics. This edition will discuss the top trend in the food and beverage processing industry—automation, and how this is affecting site selection decisions.
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Endress+Hauser
Web Exclusive

IIoT and the cloud

Know when, why and how to apply cloud architectures in your plant and enterprise, keeping in mind that on-site and edge-based servers keep you up and running on a stormy day.
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Wayne Labs
January 8, 2018
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The cloud provides storage space, communications, analytics and much more. But knowing the cloud's limitations in terms of reliability, security and performance—and what your expectations are—will play a major role in how you design and implement a cloud-based IIoT system.
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