US agribusiness firm Cargill has announced that it is investing $5.5m in new equipment technology at its Hazleton, Pennsylvania facility, as part of its efforts to cater to the increasing demand for meat products in the region.
The investment is expected to increase the facility's efficiency, improve product quality and ergonomics for workers.
The addition of new equipment ranges from an automated product line to make specific products for customers, to an integrated network to centralize monitoring of equipment performance and production.
In addition, a new automated system for weighing boxes and labeling products is being installed, as well as equipment to automatically construct shipping boxes and automated steak-trimming equipment.
The 230,000ft2 facility was established as part of Hazleton's Humboldt Industrial Park in 2002. The plant produces meat products packaged and ready to go directly into retailer meat cases throughout the Northeastern US.
Cargill Hazleton complex manager Aaron Humes said this investment will allow the company to remain competitive and show what it can do to benefit customers and their meat cases.
"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."
"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," Humes added.
