Archive for category: News

Next month, I have the exciting opportunity to attend the Food Automation & Manufacturing Symposium and Expo (FA&M) in Tampa, Florida. This premier event, hosted by Food Engineering, is set to take place from April 14-16, 2025, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.

Why Attend FA&M?

FA&M is a unique gathering that brings together the brightest minds in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The symposium focuses on cutting-edge solutions for automation, sustainability, plant construction, and resource management. Attendees will gain insights into the latest technologies and best practices that can help optimize plant performance and improve efficiency.

What to Expect

The event promises a packed schedule with educational sessions led by industry leaders, intimate networking opportunities, and an expo featuring innovative products and services from top suppliers. Here are some highlights:

• Educational Sessions: These sessions will cover essential topics such as manufacturing efficiency, sustainability, plant design, and automation. It’s a chance to learn from experts and stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry trends.
• Networking Opportunities: FA&M fosters an environment tailored for high-level networking. With a smaller, focused group, attendees can engage in meaningful conversations with industry peers and leaders.
• Expo Hall: The expo is designed to provide practical solutions to operational challenges. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover new products and services that can enhance your company’s performance.

Why Tampa?

The Hilton Tampa Downtown is an ideal venue for FA&M. Located just two blocks from the Riverwalk and 15 minutes from the airport, it offers easy access to a variety of affordable restaurants and cultural attractions such as the Tampa Museum of Art and Sparkman Wharf

1. This vibrant setting will undoubtedly add to the overall experience of the symposium.

Looking Forward

Attending FA&M is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about connecting with key decision-makers across the industry, including plant operations and engineering leaders, corporate and executive management, sanitation experts, and design and build professionals

2. With over 250 expected attendees, including 100+ food and beverage manufacturers, the event offers unparalleled opportunities to expand your professional network.

I am looking forward to the insights, connections, and innovations that FA&M will bring. Whether you’re looking to optimize plant performance, improve efficiency, or simply stay ahead in a competitive market, FA&M is the place to be. See you in Tampa!

We are excited to announce that The WEBBER/SMITH Group® will be exhibiting at ProMat 2025, the premier global trade show for the manufacturing and supply chain industry. This event will take place from March 17-20, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. With over 1,200 of the world’s leading solution providers under one roof, ProMat is the ultimate destination for professionals seeking to innovate their supply chain operations.

Why Attend ProMat 2025?

ProMat 2025 offers a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and gain insights from game-changing ideas that are shaping the future of supply chain operations. Here are some key reasons to attend:

• Hands-on Demonstrations: Experience the latest equipment and technology in action, and see how they can transform your operations.
• Educational Sessions: Attend 4 keynotes and over 200 educational sessions to gain valuable insights from industry peers and thought leaders.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and suppliers from around the world, and build strong business relationships.

Visit Us at Booth #E11623

We invite you to visit The WEBBER/SMITH Group® at Booth #E11623. Our team of engineers and building designers specializes in creating food-safe environments for the food and beverage and related industries throughout the USA. With all engineering disciplines (except civil) in-house, we offer comprehensive design services for new facilities, plant renovations and expansions, master planning, and remedial design.

Why Talk to Us?

At The WEBBER/SMITH Group®, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality, food-safe environments that meet the unique needs of our clients. By visiting our booth, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about our comprehensive design services: Discover how our in-house engineering disciplines can provide total design solutions tailored to your specific needs.
• Explore innovative solutions: See firsthand how we create food-safe environments that comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Discuss your projects: Share your challenges and goals with our experts and receive personalized advice and recommendations.

Don’t Miss Out!

Join us at ProMat 2025 and be part of this exciting event where supply chain solutions come together. We look forward to meeting you at Booth #E11623 and discussing how we can support your business needs.

Mark your calendars and get ready for an event filled with innovation, networking, and growth. See you in Chicago!

We are excited to announce that WEBBER/SMITH will be attending BakingTech 2025, the premier annual conference hosted by the American Society of Baking (ASB). This year’s event will take place from February 15-18 at the Renaissance Orlando Resort World at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. As a leading team of engineers and building designers, WEBBER/SMITH is dedicated to creating food-safe environments for the food and beverage industries across the USA.

About WEBBER/SMITH

WEBBER/SMITH has extensive experience in helping the baking industry design and engineer their plants, buildings, and process lines. Our team has worked on numerous projects, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients. From initial concept to final implementation, we ensure that every aspect of the design and engineering process is optimized for efficiency, safety, and quality. Our expertise spans across various facets of the baking industry, making us a trusted partner for bakers and manufacturers nationwide.

Join Us at the Formulation Floor

We are thrilled to be hosting a table at the Formulation Floor, formerly known as the MarketPlace. This dynamic and collaborative environment is the heart of the conference, where professionals come together to share ideas, forge connections, and drive innovation in the commercial baking industry.

What is the Formulation Floor?

The Formulation Floor is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the art and science of baking through collaboration, connection, and innovation. It serves as a central hub that fosters a sense of community, encouraging networking among bakers, suppliers, and industry experts. This space is designed to provide solutions through the collective expertise of its members, promoting the exchange of ideas, techniques, and best practices.

What to Expect on the Formulation Floor:

• Tabletop Exhibits: Feature your latest products, technologies, and solutions in the baking industry. Connect directly with bakers and industry leaders, demonstrating your innovations and staying ahead of the curve.
• BAKETalk Stage: Be inspired by thought leaders and industry experts. Gain valuable insights into the future of baking and learn from the best in the business.
• Innovation Stations: Highlight emerging technologies and trends in the commercial baking industry. Present innovative solutions that are transforming the industry’s future.
• Baker’s Row – How A Product is Made: Follow the journey of how a product is made from concept to creation. All exhibitors will be featured on selected bakery product lifecycles, highlighting their involvement in the production process.

Benefits of Exhibiting

• Be part of the industry’s premier event, viewed as the leading source of education and purchasing information.
• Access an audience with buying power and decision-makers.
• Network and build relationships with decision-makers and influencers.
• Introduce your company to ASB members.
• Distinguish your products and services from the competition.
• Discuss the needs of your customers face-to-face.
• Promote your organization’s image and maximize its market exposure.

Our table number will be #201. We look forward to connecting with you at BakingTech 2025 and showcasing our commitment to creating food-safe environments. Join us as we celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the future of the baking industry!

The dairy industry is poised for a promising year in 2025, with several factors contributing to a positive outlook for dairy companies. As a leading engineering firm specializing in designing food-safe environments, The WEBBER/SMITH Group® is excited to share insights on why now is the perfect time for dairy companies to consider renovating, remodeling, or expanding their facilities.

Higher Milk Prices and Strong Demand

Milk prices are expected to rise in 2025 due to “modest increases in production, coupled with robust demand for dairy products from both domestic and global markets”[1]. This favorable economic environment provides dairy companies with the financial stability needed to invest in their facilities. Strong domestic and international demand for U.S. dairy products supports higher prices and ensures a stable market for producers.

Steady Growth in Milk Production

Despite a slower growth rate compared to historical averages, milk production is projected to increase by 0.7% in 2025[1]. This steady growth underscores the need for expanded processing capacity to meet the rising demand. Dairy companies can capitalize on this trend by investing in modern, efficient facilities that enhance production capabilities.

Expanding Export Opportunities

U.S. dairy exports are projected to grow, driven by competitive pricing and tighter global supplies[1]. This growth in exports presents a significant opportunity for dairy companies to expand and modernize their facilities to meet international standards and demand. By doing so, they can position themselves as key players in the global dairy market.

Focus on Processed Dairy Products

The industry is increasingly shifting towards producing more processed dairy products such as cheese, butter, and whey. This trend necessitates advanced processing facilities, making it an ideal time for dairy companies to renovate and expand their plants. Upgrading facilities to handle these value-added products can lead to increased profitability and market share.

Improved Economic and Environmental Factors

Dairy producers are expected to benefit from lower feed costs and improved forage supplies in 2024[1], which can enhance profit margins and free up capital for facility investments. Additionally, the industry is adopting more sustainable practices, with improved margins and lower slaughter rates indicating a more sustainable approach to dairy farming[1]. Investing in modern, efficient facilities can further enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.

Strategic Opportunities for Facility Investments

Lower beginning stocks of dairy products suggest a need for increased production capacity[1]. Renovating and expanding plants can help meet this demand and ensure a steady supply of dairy products. With global dairy markets facing lower production from key exporters, U.S. dairy companies have a unique opportunity to capture a larger market share[1]. Modernizing facilities can enhance competitiveness and position companies for long-term success.

Why Choose The WEBBER/SMITH Group® for Your Dairy Facility Projects?

At The WEBBER/SMITH Group®, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the dairy industry. Our team of engineers and building designers specializes in creating food-safe environments for the food and beverage and related industries throughout the USA. Based in Lititz, PA, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Total Design for New Facilities: From concept to completion, we provide end-to-end design solutions tailored to your specific needs.
• Plant Renovations and Expansions: Our expertise in renovating and expanding existing facilities ensures minimal disruption to your operations while maximizing efficiency and capacity.
• Master Planning Services: We help you plan for the future with strategic master planning services that align with your long-term goals.
• Remedial Design: Our remedial design services address any existing issues and enhance the overall functionality and safety of your facilities.

Our client-centric design development process delivers sustainable, food-safe environments that are scalable, cost-effective, and well-executed to meet your needs. With all engineering disciplines (except civil) in-house, we provide a seamless, integrated approach to your dairy facility projects.

Positive Outlook

The positive outlook for the dairy industry in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for dairy companies to invest in renovating, remodeling, and expanding their facilities. By leveraging the expertise of The WEBBER/SMITH Group®, you can ensure your facilities are designed to meet the highest standards of food safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals and capitalize on the promising trends in the dairy industry.

[1]: 2025 Dairy Outlook, USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum.

References

[1] 2025AOF-dairy-outlook