April 22, 2013

Cargill invests US$5.5 million in new equipment technology

Boosted by increased demand by retailers throughout the region and to increase the plant's efficiency and improve its product quality and worker ergonomics, Cargill is investing US$5.5 million in new equipment technology in its Hazleton, Pa., case ready meat packaging plant.

New equipment ranges from an automated product line dedicated to making specific products for its customers, to an integrated network to centralise monitoring of equipment performance and production. A new automated system for weighing boxes and labelling products is being installed, as well as equipment to automatically construct shipping boxes and automated steak-trimming equipment.

"Our team of 640 dedicated people takes a great deal of pride in producing excellent meat products that meet our customers' expectations and provide consumers with wonderful protein-rich eating experiences," said Aaron Humes, Cargill complex manager at Hazleton. "We always strive for excellence and this new equipment will enable us to improve our performance, while also providing better ergonomics for workers by having a machine produce items that were previously made by hand. This investment will allow us to remain competitive and show what we can do to benefit our customers and their meat cases."

Established as part of Hazleton's Humboldt Industrial Park in 2002, Cargill's 230,000 square foot facility produces meat products packaged and ready to go directly into retailer meat cases throughout the North-eastern US.