December 2009 FDQ - Industry Today - Leader in Manufacturing & Industry News

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Magazine Issue December 2009 FDQ

Unspoiled

Santa Barbara Olive Co.

Olive Gardens

The Santa Barbara Olive Company grew from a small farm into one of the largest specialty olive companies, producing over 110 different products found in stores worldwide. Janice Gable Bashman reports.

Tasa

Lunch Time

Having serviced Mexican lunchrooms for more than 27 years, Mexico city-based Técnicos en Alimentación (TASA) is a food supplier with history, experience, and know-how. Mauricio Chan explains how the company manages to serve thousands of Mexican workers every day.

Pizza 73

Making Dough

No matter how you slice it, Pizza Pizza satisfies Canada’s taste for the Italian pie, particularly now that it has acquired the western regional chain of Pizza 73. David Soyka samples how Canada’s number-one pizza maker delivers the freshest quality.

Rivelli Alimentos

Poultry Purveyors

Lee Weingast speaks with Carlos Fabio Nogueira Rivelli about how two young brothers and their piggy bank full of change has grown into Rivelli Alimentos, a major producer of poultry products in Brazil and beyond.

Mendocino Brewing Co.

Handcrafter to Perfection

Established in 1983, as California’s first “brewpub,” Mendocino Brewing Company pioneered the craft-brewing renaissance in the United States. The Ukiah-based organization’s product portfolio includes a wide variety of full-bodied beers and ales that have become legends in their own time.…

Morrison Lamothe

Cold Branded

Morrison Lamothe Inc. is a co-manufacturer of foods for large national and international branded companies and a co-packer and supplier of private label products to the frozen food industry. David Soyka packages a report on this chilling topic.

My Grandma's of New England

Have Their Cake

Who hasn’t thought about starting a business after tasting their grandmother’s cakes? Well, as Armando Diana learns, it may not be that far fetched an idea if the cake is as good as My Grandma’s of New England.

Pita Pit

In the Pocket

Pita Pit builds a fresh approach to typical fast food fare. David Soyka samples this Idaho franchiser’s tasty options for health-conscious consumers with an appetite for quality, low-fat, low-carb choices served with quick convenience.

Mamacita's Mexican Restaurants

A Mexican Twist

Iranian immigrant Hossein Hagigholam came to America to study English to become an engineer. But his keen business sense led him to the role of restaurateur of a successful chain of Mexican restaurants that promises healthy fare, VIP service and…

Mabel

A World of Taste

The second largest cookie producer in Latin America, Grupo Mabel of Goias, Brazil, has reinvented the ancient delicacy and has indeed become a household name at snack time for families around the world. Helen Larkin takes a look at the…

Godfather's Pizza

A Pizza You Can’t Refuse

Janice Gable Bashman reports on Godfather’s Pizza, a franchise that focuses on pizza, passion, and progress.

Grupo Alimentario

Quality Control

Carving its own niche in the beef sector, the innovative Mexican producer Carnes ViBa has found a way to add extra value to its products and earn higher profits. Because of its dedication to quality and its clever marketing techniques,…

Grupo Viba

Breaking Culinary Boundaries

The brainchild of visionary entrepreneur Alberto Romano, Mexico-based Grupo Alimentaria has in two short decades become Mexico’s leader in Japanese cuisine, establishing over 100 restaurants throughout the country and pioneering the industry of premade Asian foods. Mauricio Chan reports on…

Kowalsky Com. E Ind. De Pescados

A Real Catch

The complexities of the modern fishing industry made it difficult for many companies to stay afloat. Kowalsky has defied the odds. Helen Larkin reports on how this family business has turned what began as a regional fish market into a…

Fresh Start Bakeries

Fresh Start Bakeries | Industry Today

Fresh Start Bakeries comprises a growing family of related businesses that supply bakery products to restaurants and foodservice industries around the world. David Soyka reports on what it takes to be successful.

Frozen Specialties Inc

Value in Pizza

Frozen Specialties is the largest value pizza and bites manufacturer in North America, making the private label branded pies for the top retailers. Barbara Kram offers a slice of life into the Ohio company.

Better Made Snack Foods

Chip Chic

Better Made Snack Foods makes, well, better made snack foods. David Soyka samples this regional, Detroit-based snack maker noted for its potato chips made from locally grown spuds and trans-fatfree cottonseed oil and how it hopes to grow beyond its…

Columbia Packing Co Inc.

Smokin’ Success

Adaptability is the spice of success, as Columbia Packing Company demonstrates. a provider of meat products, such as its highly touted smoked hams, the Texas-based company couples family tradition (and delicious recipes!) with new-generation foresight, Dan Harvey discovered.

Cordon Bleu/Tomasso Corp

Authentic Cuisine

Seventy-five years and counting – since 1993 Cordon Bleu-Tomasso has served up high quality cuisine in the most convenient formats. Despite its success with canned and frozen food formats, the Canadian enterprise prefers to focus on where it’s headed instead…

Agrana Fruit Mexico

Fruit Innovators

Agrana Fruit is a world leader in the production and transformation of high quality fruit preparations and concentrates for the food industry. Using a triple strategy of innovation, quality control and human resources, Agrana designs and produces fruit and vegetable…

ASA Alimentos

Feeding the Nation

ASA Alimentos has positioned itself as a company of note in the Brazilian food industry. Helen Larkin investigates how this giant has arrived at the forefront of both the Brazilian egg and meat industries at such an accelerated rate.

Blentech Corp.

Thoroughly Modern Mozzarella

When product development company Maritek decided to tackle mozzarella processing machinery, it discovered just how difficult it is to replicate the ancient Italian process of creating this cheese without losing yield in the process. Janice Gable Bashman reports on how…

Ajinomoto Frozen Foods USA

Frozen Feast

Janice Gable Bashman reports on how Ajinomoto Frozen Foods USA, Inc. successfully tackled the United States market, providing high-quality frozen Japanese food products to the American consumer.

SML Stainless Steel Group

Chef’s Special

SML Stainless Steel Group supplies OEM and institutional foodservice equipment in addition to customized kitchens for the world’s leading chefs and restaurants. David Soyka reports on what’s cooking in high-end kitchen fabrication.

Cuppy's Coffee & More

Not Your Typical Cup Of Joe

Cuppy’s Coffee, Smoothies & More serves fresh coffee in under a minute. Janice Gable Bashman tells the story of how a one-year-old coffee franchise is successfully taking on Starbucks and its other competitors.

Sodexho Mexico

Food Service Feats

As the country's leading rovide of integrated facilities management serbvices, Sodexho Mexico has seen strong gowth in the last few years. Taking advantage of its unique client selection strategy and strong client retention rate, Sodexho looks to extedn and consolidate…

Sonora Agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. (SASA)

Spotlight Hog

Sonora Agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. has been at the vanguard of industrial pork production since it started in the Mexican state of Sonora in the 1970s. The company has stayed there, shifting and adapting to the changing market, and today…

Golden State Foods

Golden Opportunities

Golden State Foods has been in business 60 years as a supplier to the food service industry and its relationship with one particular customer, McDonald’s, gave rise to many popular food combinations that have become industry standards. Lorie Greenspan tells…

Puratos Corporation USA

Ingrediants for Success

The Puratos Group provides innovative ingredients integrated with process solutions, unique finished product ideas and technical support to bakery, patisserie and chocolate makers, ranging in size from the corner shop owner to the large industrial chains. David Soyka takes a…

Henningsen Cold Storage Co.

Cold Storage; Warm Service

One of the largest public refrigerated warehousing companies in North America with 37 million cubic feet, Henningsen Cold Storage Co. leads the industry in reliability, service, quality and commitment. Pat Whiteman reports.

Sonora Agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. (SASA)

Hogging The Spotlight

Sonora Agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. has been at the vanguard of industrial pork production since it started in the Mexican state of Sonora in the 1970s. The company has stayed there, shifting and adapting to the changing market, and today…

Milliken & Company

Flexible Portioning

Through a business unit of its chemical division, Milliken & Company offers new turnkey packaging solutions to address today's trends for more flexible portion sizes. David Soyka takes a look inside a flexible approach not only to packaging, but the…

Ajegroup

Quenching The World’s Thirst

Ajegroup started out selling with the humblest of business models: homemade cola drink, sold door to door. Today the company touches three continents and several countries. And that after only 16 years in business. Peter Krupa reports.

Casa San Matias

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila producer Casa San Matias sees export growth from specialty products of 100 percent agave manufactured by traditional production methods, as Paul Harris reports.

Weber Distribution

Operating at the Right Temperature

At Weber Distribution, its not just warehousing, cross-docking, pool distribution, and transportation that keep its customers' supply chains moving. Temperature controlled features and resources coupled with the latest in tracking technologies and a commitment to customer to custer service has…

Habib's

Fast Food Genies

With over 300 locations across the country, Habib’s is the second largest fast food chain in Brazil and the most profitable. Its secret recipe is heavy on customer satisfaction…an ingredient that must be home grown. Christopher Van Buren reveals what’s…

Weber Distribution

Temperature Controlled Features and Resources | Industry Today

At Weber Distribution, its not just warehousing, cross-docking, pool distribution, and transportation that keep its customers' supply chains moving. Temperature controlled features and resources coupled with the latest in tracking technologies and a commitment to customer to custer service has…

Shiloh Industries Inc

Been There Done That

The success of Shiloh – supplier of engineered metal products to the automotive, light truck and transportation industries – is partially a result of its control of the value chain and its total commitment to supporting the customer. Michael Terreri…

Mayville Engineering Company Inc

Employee Owned – Quality Driven

Mayville Engineering’s employee stock ownership plan has done more than help its shareholders prosper — it has given them an extra incentive to help the company prosper, according to David Gill.

Swiss Tech

Ahead of the Rest

Standing out from the crowd has brought success to Swiss-Tech. David Gill describes a company that combines traditional craftsmanship with the most modern manufacturing technology.

American Brass Manufacturing Company

Top Brass

The American Brass Manufacturing Company has been in business for more than a century, producing faucets and valves for American homes. Michael Terreri gets down to the brass tacks.

Buck Company

Molding the Future

For half a century, Buck Company, Inc., has shown that variety and small-town values are the keys to steady growth in the castings industry. Brian Schwarz shapes the story.

Electralloy

A Stainless Reputation

Electralloy has made a name for itself as a world-class custom-melt producer of high-end stainless steel and nickel alloys. Michael Terreri polishes the details.

Sunflower Manufacturing

A Leader in the Fields

Gene Newman reports on Sunflower Manufacturing, born in a Kansas garage more than a half-century ago and now an industry leader with a distinguished record of inventive contributions to agriculture.

Nucor Building Systems Group

Company in Focus

Nucor Building Systems’ mission is to be the metal-building manufacturer of choice by operating with common sense and by sticking to the fundamentals. April Terreri constructs the story.

State Industries Inc

Hot for Innovation

State Industries, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, built its reputation on product and manufacturing innovation. A half-century after its founding, this Tennessee company continues in that tradition, according to April Terreri.

Wilton Tool Group

A Good Grip

The Wilton Tool Group’s unwavering success was founded on its indestructible vise. Pat Whiteman describes this company’s formula for excellence and its dynamic new product line, designed to put a stronghold on the market well into the next century.

Tamco

Steel Savvy

Tamco is a healthy survivor in an industry being slaughtered. How does this steel minimill manage this feat in today’s uncertain economy? Join April Terreri as we tour the mills.

Safelite Glass Corporation

Winning Windshields

Mark Devaney peers into the windshields made and installed by Safelite Glass Corporation — and sees a clear industry winner.

Manitowoc Boom Trucks

Manitowoc Boom Trucks | Industry Today

Manitowoc Boom Trucks is using innovative products and sales techniques to grow its business. Eric C. Peterson reports.

Global Payment Technologies Inc

Big Game Hunting

When Global Payment Technologies goes after a new, innovative approach for its currency validation systems, it always comes out ahead of the game. Lorie Russo explains why.

Cross Huller North America

The Quality Machine

Cross Hüller enjoys a unique position as a primary supplier of turnkey manufacturing solutions to the Big Three auto makers. April Terreri describes how this company has created a top-level global standing as well.

Pennsylvania American Water Company

The Natural Resource

Mark Devaney writes about Pennsylvania-American Water Company, the water resource manager of choice in the Keystone State.

Wellman Friction Products

Keeping the World in High Gear

For more than 75 years, top companies have sought after Wellman Friction Products’ technology. Pat Whiteman describes how this innovator continues to keep the world in motion.

Wheelock, Inc.

An Alarming Success Rate

Wheelock, Inc., is the leading supplier of life safety notification appliances, telephone and industrial signaling products, and facility communications systems. Pat Whiteman tells us about the company’s first-rate product line and staunch devotion to employee training.

Woodhead Industries

Getting Connected

How does a maturing manufacturer of electrical devices transform itself into an industrial communications and connectivity powerhouse? Brian Schwarz finds the answers at Woodhead Industries.

Power Measurement

One for Good Measure

Rising energy costs and the threat of power shortages have many industries scrambling to figure out ways to achieve greater plant efficiency and reliability. Power Measurement holds the key, as Brian Schwarz discovers.

Randell

Food for Profit

Serving up cool solutions for the food service industry is Randell’s stock and trade. Brian Schwarz reports from the serving line.

Telemotive Industrial Controls

Remote Leader

Mark Devaney writes about Telemotive Industrial Controls, a company known for its boundless capacity to grow, innovate and listen.

Hallmark Technologies Inc

Molding the World

Luanne Axt shines the high beams on Hallmark Technologies Inc., the only mold shop in North America to provide in-house Fresnel lenses for LED high-stop automobile lamps.

Cooper Crouse Hinds

Conduit to Safety

Cooper Crouse-Hinds leads in the design and manufacture of electrical products used in hazardous areas, primarily in petrochemical applications. April Terreri makes the connection.

Emerson Motor Company

Powered Up

Gloria P. Cahill discovers what energizes Emerson Motor Company, a thriving business that produces 320,000 electric motors a day.

Blue M Electric

Something from the Oven

Thanks to its manufacturing expertise and the backing of its parent company, Blue M Electric is well positioned as a provider of thermal-process equipment and solutions, according to David Gill.

Bulova Technologies

Environment for Precision

Bulova Technologies is quickly becoming as strong a contender in the commercial arena as it is in the military industry. April Terreri provides this timely chronicle.

Computational Systems Inc (CSI)

Redefining Reliability

Computational Systems Inc. gives new meaning to the concept of predictive maintenance in manufacturing environments. Gloria P. Cahill spells out the company’s practical philosophy.

Aved Electronics Inc.

New Rising Image

Aved had the right “connections” to rise above near disaster. Today the company is a design services company as well as a leading manufacturer of custom cable harness assemblies and battery packs, as April Terreri discovers.

Aerospace Avionics

Ready for Takeoff

In a line of work with little margin for error, Aerospace Avionics engineers the reliable electrical and electronic devices used in military and commercial aviation. Barbara Kram checks the instruments.

Kearfott Guidance & Navigation Corporation

The Military’s Guidance Counselor

Kearfott Guidance & Navigation Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and supports highly reliable, quality products that satisfy the land, air, sea and space navigation and guidance requirements of both military and commercial customers. Michael Terreri zeroes in.

Productos Rich SA de CV

The Icing On The cake

Now with three manufacturing centers and a national transportation network, Productos Rich is the number one company in the pre-prepared pastry products market.

Consorcio Algil

The King

Poised for growth, improving efficiency is key to beating the hard times for Mexican cheese producer Consorcio Algil S.A. de C.V.

The Corporate Council on Africa

Out of Africa

Agribusiness is emerging as an important aspect in Africa’s future, with ample opportunities for investment.

Future of Ethanol

The Future of Ethanol

Coming on hard times, the ethanol industry must face a long road ahead and battle against competing technologies, among other factors, to keep strong in the alternative energy sector.

The Brooks Group

Off the HOOK!

Unbridled, uncontrolled, mind blowing, mind challenging. It’s not only an expression of Food Network celebrity chef Guy Fieri, but describes his unabashed outlook on life. Lorie Greenspan interviews the man whose food is out of bounds.

Pizza Today

Slices of History

Pizza is what we want – for dinner, for lunch, anytime, anywhere. Starting 103 years ago with the first New York City pizzeria, pizza continues to answer an increasing demand for new tastes.

NSF International

Safe & Sound

NSF International’s restaurant services offer farm-to-fork food safety solutions.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers

Food Science

Biological and agricultural engineers bring valuable expertise to the food supply chain.

Food Packing Institute

Package Perfect

The single biggest achievement in foodservice packaging was the Dixie Cup, which saved millions from diseases by eliminating shared public utensils. Today a multi-billion-dollar industry, food service packaging has come a long way in 100 years.

Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

Generate Buzz

The Specialty Imaging Graphics Association helps companies create interesting interiors, which in turn optimizes customization and rebranding efforts.

Development Counsellors International

Incredible Edible

Where else would you learn how to develop a food business but Louisiana? Known for its food culture, the state now boasts the Louisiana Edible Creations Center®, which promotes food companies in the state and also reaches out to support…

American Bakers Association

Band of Bakers

American Bakers Association rallies on Washington to protest rising food prices.

National Dairy Foods Research Center

Dairy Operations

National Dairy Research Center Program provides knowledge base for product innovation.

American Frozen Food Institute

Consistently Changing

The American Frozen Food Institute oversees activities within the frozen food industry, which, through the many incarnations of frozen food through the decades, has been able to keep pace with America’s changing needs for tasty, nutritious and convenient products.

Global Cold Chain Alliance

A Cold Solution

A global cold chain can solve the food crisis, one nation at a time.

Food Processing Suppliers Association

Best Processes

The Food Processing Suppliers Association helps members better understand issues impacting the industry.

The Sugar Association, Inc

Unspoiled

Pure and sweet, sugar serves many purposes in our food culture, from enhancing taste to providing tenderness.

High Tech Performance Trailers, Inc.

Diversity on the Move

High Tech Performance Trailers are used for displaying products, for transporting NASCAR teams and equipment, as virtual training centers and even as operating rooms. Come hit the road with April Terreri.

Next Generation Power Engineering Inc.

The Power Set

What do a 50-foot luxury boat with all the trimmings and a Class 7 tractor-trailer have in common? The need for gensets by Next Generation Power Engineering, Inc.

Hennessy Industries

A Drive for Quality

Hennessy Industries, Inc., makes and markets the equipment that keeps all types of vehicles on the road. Gloria P. Cahill tracks the story.

Conrad Industries

Smooth Sailing

With two quality facilities in place and a third in the process of opening, Conrad Industries, Inc., has underscored its position as a top niche producer of commercial and military marine vessels. David Gill steers the story.

Larson Boats

Dream Boats

Minnesota-based Larson Boats combines 89 years of boat-building experience with new-wave technology to create a 21st century powerboat fleet that leaves the competition in its wake. Janis Hubschman sails on.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems

Heritage of Pride

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems/Surface Systems shores up the combat readiness of the U.S. Navy and other navies around the world. Michael Terreri tracks the story.

Wellcraft Marine Corporation

High on the High Seas

Innovations in manufacturing and customer communications have placed Wellcraft Marine Corporation at the top of the luxury-boat market. David Gill sails into the story.

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