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Food for Thought | A blog about food plant design, engineering, automation, construction, sanitation and refrigeration
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Stellar Food for Thought is a blog about food plant automation, refrigeration, engineering, construction and design. Stellar is a world leader in the design, engineering, refrigeration, construction and automation of food plants.
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Food for Thought | A blog about food plant design, engineering, automation, construction, sanitation and refrigeration
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2022-06-25 02:27:33

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2022-06-25 02:27:33

Skip to contentStellar Food for ThoughtStellar Food for Thoughthamburger menuHomeAbout This BlogFeatured TopicsAmmonia Refrigeration Safety and ComplianceCold Storage FacilitiesFood Plant DesignResourcesContributorsJune 23, 2022June 22, 2022How to Leverage Construction Data to Level Up Your Next Food Plant ProjectFood plant design-buildViews: 125Mats ElmsaterModern data collection and analytics have created infinite opportunities for businesses to leverage information to their advantage. Even the simplest piece of information can prove incredibly valuable to an operation when organized and used correctly.However, storing data to let it sit collecting dust is a waste of time and resources. This is especially apparent in the food processing and construction industries because every moving piece can be cataloged and therefore analyzed to the user’s benefit.When used strategically, streamlined and actionable data integration can fuel effective and efficient decision-making at every stage of the design, construction and business management processes. Continue Reading “How to Leverage Construction Data to Level Up Your Next Food Plant Project”June 9, 2022June 10, 2022Views: 386Industrial Refrigeration Basics: Synthetic vs. Natural RefrigerantsOperable refrigerant systems have been in use since the 1830s, with ether as the original refrigerant. Over the years, the use of refrigerants has evolved as technology has advanced and research has revealed more about the impacts these substances have on the environment.New restrictions continue to be placed on the use of refrigerants, making it more important than ever for manufacturers, as well as commercial and industrial owners, to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes. Continue Reading “Industrial Refrigeration Basics: Synthetic vs. Natural Refrigerants” Chase A. Sly, PEMay 26, 2022May 25, 2022Views: 478Think You Know BIM? Think Again: How Building Information Modeling Boosts SustainabilityA sustainable revolution is underway and industrial/commercial buildings in the U.S. are lagging behind. Almost a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come directly from industrial sources, such as manufacturing, food processing, mining and construction, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).“If direct and indirect emissions are combined, the industrial sector is the largest emitting sector in the U.S. economy, responsible for 29.6% of total emissions,” according to data provided by C2ES.While you may be familiar with Building Information Modeling (BIM), it’s often underestimated and pigeonholed as merely a design and construction tool. However, when implemented strategically, BIM is the key to turning industrial facilities into long-term sustainability powerhouses and providing transparency and a sense of order to what has historically been a nebulous process.A building’s design, construction and operation produce data that comprise a complex puzzle — BIM helps solve it. Continue Reading “Think You Know BIM? Think Again: How Building Information Modeling Boosts Sustainability” Leo Fernandez, AIAMay 12, 2022May 12, 2022Views: 194Hoses Are The Arteries of Food Production: Have You Selected Wisely?6 takeaways from a recent Food Processing webinarLike the human body is dependent upon veins and arteries to support a beating heart, so are food-grade hoses vital to safely connecting various stages of production to an uncompromised finished product.Safety is the number one priority of every food processor, and as such owners need to protect the safety of the food they handle every step of the way.Selecting the correct hoses is essential to success, especially when there are a variety of hoses on the market created for a range of applications, from distilleries to dairies. The specification process becomes paramount: A poorly chosen hose can easily become a weak link in a plant’s food safety program, and even prove a danger to employees.Degradation from fats and oils is a perpetual battle in maintaining the integrity of hoses, as are other conditions, such as functioning under high pressure as well as the high temperatures of the liquids they transport. Abrasion from machines and flooring within the facility is an added consideration that is sometimes overlooked.Food Processing magazine hosted a webinar in December discussing the importance of food-grade hoses for food production. Food Processing magazine editor-in-chief Dave Fusaro led a conversation on the topic alongside two experts from Parker Hannifin Corporation: Matthew Davis, business development manager of the Hose Products Division, and Dylan Shamakian, sales manager of Fluid Connectors Group Hose Products Division.Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing the right hose to keep employees and products safe: Continue Reading “Hoses Are The Arteries of Food Production: Have You Selected Wisely?” Jeff SweckerJason GoodeApril 28, 2022May 12, 2022Views: 215Wraparound or RSC Packaging? How Case Design Can Impact Your Bottom LineThe accelerated expansion of e-commerce over the past five years paired with ongoing supply chain constraints have affected a crucial area of food and beverage processing: packaging.The price of corrugated has been steadily increasing for years, but recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a sharp spike in cost since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cost of corrugated and solid fiber box manufacturing products reached an all-time high in February 2022.In the face of significant price increases, owners must be strategic and intentional with material purchases and investments. This is the perfect time to reevaluate your facility’s current packaging process, including whether a change in case style could help optimize your process and save money. Continue Reading “Wraparound or RSC Packaging? How Case Design Can Impact Your Bottom Line” Sean O'BrienApril 14, 2022April 13, 2022Views: 1187Struggling to Staff the Third Shift? Combat Labor Shortages with These Automation SolutionsAs labor market woes continue, adopting some degree of automation is no longer optional for companies looking to remain agile and equipped to meet future consumer demands.Even industries that historically haven’t struggled with labor shortages are now finding it challenging to hire staff. With a peak record of 11.3 million jobs open in January 2022 and not enough workers available, more manufacturers are turning to robotics to fill the gaps.In fact, U.S. factories ordered a record 29,000 robots during the first nine months of 2021, a 37% increase from 2020, according to data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).The good news? Automated systems are getting cheaper to implement and improving technology is making systems more reliable. At Stellar, we’re constantly monitoring developments and best practices for leveraging robotics in our clients’ facilities to help them improve efficiency and productivity — not to mention combating that growing labor gap.Let’s review some modern automation tools and the many ways robotics can be implemented into the food manufacturing process. Continue Reading “Struggling to Staff the Third Shift? Combat Labor Shortages with These Automation Solutions” Rao Kolla, PE, CSCP, MBAMarch 31, 2022March 31, 2022Views: 6554 Strategies for Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions in Your Next Construction ProjectConstruction firms are fighting an uphill battle to maintain project budgets and schedules as the industry grapples with global supply chain disruptions.The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)reported that material prices for nonresidential construction soared 21%from February 2021 to February 2022, and analysts predict costs will continue going up. Additionally, logistical bottlenecks such as overseas shipping delays and shortages in the transportation sector are drastically impacting project lead times.Stellar’s industry veterans are discovering thereareways to mitigate supply chain disruptions and their effects on construction projects — but only if construction firms are willing to shift their paradigm and use a different approach when working with their clients.Here are four ways our teams are navigating the waters. Continue Reading “4 Strategies for Mitigating Supply Chain Disruptions in Your Next Construction Project” Garland Smith, Nathan KendallDaniel StillingMarch 24, 2022March 24, 2022Views: 189Your Checklist for Updating Your Facility’s Risk Management ProgramFacilities, including food and beverage manufacturers, that use certain flammable and toxic substances in amounts that exceed threshold quantities must have a documented Risk Management Plan (RMP) per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Companies must update and resubmit their RMP at least every five years.The EPA requires each facility to review all sections of their RMP, update where appropriate, and certify that the entire RMP is accurate and complete.According to the EPA’s checklist, here are the key elements that should be reviewed for resubmission: Continue Reading “Your Checklist for Updating Your Facility’s Risk Management Program” Chase A. Sly, PEMarch 3, 2022March 15, 2022Views: 214Low-Impact Development: From Eco-friendly Trend to Industry StandardEnvironmentally conscious construction sites have earned praise over the years as the world’s priorities have shifted to address growing climate concerns.The World Green Building Council (GBC) estimates the building and construction sector is globally responsible for 50% of the world’s resource consumption, 36% of energy consumption and 38% of energy-related carbon emissions. Keeping this in mind, any time a building or facility can feature sustainable design, it’s a win for the planet.Expectations are changing, however. What was once seen as the “cherry on top” of a construction project is quickly becoming standard practice.A prime example of this is the evolution of the use of low-impact development (LID). Continue Reading “Low-Impact Development: From Eco-friendly Trend to Industry Standard” Justin LandowskiFebruary 17, 2022February 17, 2022Views: 1229Factors to Consider Before Using a Spec Building for a Food and Beverage FacilityIf you’re considering sites for a new facility, you may come across listings for speculative (“spec”) buildings. Developers often construct these basic, pre-engineered buildings in anticipation of a future tenant, and they can be attractive for owners looking for a new space.Upfront, spec buildings offer to reduce costs by cutting out design and construction steps from a tenant’s to-do list — but there’s a catch. Food and beverage manufacturing has unique needs and it’s impossible to guarantee a spec building will meet them without retrofitting. Although leasing a spec building may be attractive to manufacturers who want to ramp up production quickly, there is the potential that they will incur additional costs the owner wasn’t anticipating.It can be a valuable option in certain situations, but there are factors to consider before making a final decision. Continue Reading “Factors to Consider Before Using a Spec Building for a Food and Beverage Facility” Matthew LanePosts navigation12…36NextCollectionsAutomation & controlsBuilding envelopeDistribution & logisticsEnergy efficiency & sustainabilityFood plant design-buildFood plant emergency responseFood process & packaging engineeringFood safetyMechanical & utilityOperations & maintenanceProcess Safety ManagementRefrigerationStrategic planningUncategorizedIndustry Insights, Best Practices and TrendsNever miss a serving of Food for Thought by joining our bi-weekly e-mail list.Most Popular Posts CO2 Refrigeration: Debunking 3 Common Myths Three Steps in Developing a Food Processing Manufacturing Plan 5 Ways to Improve Equipment Reliability and Avoid Downtime in Your Food Processing Plant What’s New in LEED v4: Big Picture Changes, Updates for Building Design and Construction Five Things To Consider When Selecting A Site For Your New Plant All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or business advice, or as providing consulting services or recommendations that you or your business should follow. The information and recommendations on this site do not apply to the needs of every reader or business, nor does the information or recommendations come with any warranties or confer any rights. Stellar is not liable for any information provided by guests, and any published information shouldn't be construed be as an endorsement for a product or services. You should consider seeking professional advice to adequately assess your needs and to reach an effective solution. While Stellar seeks to provide accurate and up-to-date information and analysis on this site, the information is presented on an "AS IS" and "as available basis", is subject to change without prior notice, and is not guaranteed to be complete, correct, or up-to-date. 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