As the U.S. population continues to grow, it’s not surprising that the food processing industry is helping to drive manufacturing growth. According to data from Emsi — a labor market and economic analytics firm based in Moscow, Idaho — all of the major food processing states added jobs between 2014 and 2018, most at double-digit rates. According to the BLS, this sector had only a mild dip during the Great Recession and has thrived in the years since.

With that in mind, the articles highlighted in this newsletter delve further into the food processing industry’s concerns, including new consumer trends and food safety issues that are causing food manufacturers to modify their processes and invest in new technologies. These concerns are also causing a shift in where food is manufactured. With passage of the Food Safety & Modernization Act, the process of food facility site selection has forever changed. Comprehensive due diligence and a traceable decision process are more important than ever.

Finally, when moving product lines in or out of food processing facilities and/or adapting these facilities to meet changing needs, 3D laser scanning can benefit all stakeholders by reducing costs, improving safety, and helping the project run smoother.