KANKAKEE, Il.—J.R. Short Milling Company announced it is expanding its existing facility to more than 50,000 square feet. The company also reported that the expansion will increase production capacity by an additional 25% over the 50% increase already seen in 2008. The facility includes a multi-story, computer-controlled batching operation and the addition of a new extrusion line.
“This multi-million dollar expansion will help us meet our customers’ needs more efficiently,” said Jon Luikart, president and CEO. “It is concrete evidence of our commitment to helping our customers realize growth with current pellet snack products as well as accelerating their product development efforts.”
The facility also includes a new packaging line that improves efficiency and packaging throughput, and brings value to customers by allowing trailers to be double-stacked with cartons for transport, thus maximizing freight shipping dollars. Portions of the additional square footage are allocated to new warehousing and dock facilities to help improve ingredient management and product staging.
The next phase of construction will include a new technical innovation center, which will house new pilot plant equipment that will accelerate product development.
“It seems very fitting that we will celebrate 100 years of business in October 2010 at about the same time we will wrap up an expansion that enables our future growth,” said Terry Gieseke, director of sales and marketing.
