Moyer
Packing, a division of Smithfield Foods, was looking for
a way to enhance their distribution operation, while also
using that opportunity to set new industry standards for
food safety. Tippmann Group designed a distribution center
that is a separate structure from Moyer’s processing
plant, but connected via a conveyor-only tunnel.
Tippmann
Group’s plan modified Moyer’s existing case
flow to lead into the new 150 foot long temperature-controlled
conveyor tunnel, transferring the product from the plant,
through the tunnel, and into an 8-lane sortation system
on a mezzanine level in the new distribution center before
getting automatically palletized and wrapped.
The
site is set up so outbound truck traffic has it’s
own access, separated from traffic for livestock and other
plant support. Employees, sanitation and maintenance are
also dedicated to the distribution center. Moyer believes
this total separation enhances their stringent food safety
program.
The
end result is a 91,000 square foot distribution center
and cooler for finished meat products. The facility also
includes state-of-the-art blast freezers.
