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As SKUs grow, so do American operational woes

From complying with stringent food safety regulations to employing flexible equipment with easier changeover, food and beverage processors are doing what they can to overcome multiple manufacturing hurdles.

The top three U.S. states measured by the number of manufacturing locations are California, Texas and Illinois. Image courtesy of U.S. Economic Census Bureau, 2012.
The top three U.S. states measured by the number of manufacturing locations are California, Texas and Illinois. Image courtesy of U.S. Economic Census Bureau, 2012.

As retail goods evolve to meet market demands and SKUs increase, so do manufacturing headaches, according to PMMI’s report on “2017 Trends in Food Processing Operations.” More than half of survey participants say SKUs are increasing at a rate of 10 percent, with some food manufacturers reporting up to 50 percent growth. This is driving the demand for faster changeover. 

Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing
Discover how modern conveyors enhance food processing—boost efficiency, ensure safety, and save space. Explore the latest tech and tips to optimize your operations.
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Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing