Archive for category: News

We’re thrilled to announce that the WEBBER/SMITH Group® will be participating in the highly anticipated 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo, set to take place this May in Indianapolis. As industry leaders in engineering and design for food-safe environments, we are excited to engage with professionals from the confectionery and snacks industries and showcase our comprehensive range of services.

Why the Sweets & Snacks Expo?

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the premier event for new product introductions, business-building solutions, and innovations in the candy and snack industries. For us, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with over 18,000 industry professionals and more than 800 exhibitors. We’re particularly excited to explore the latest trends in consumer preferences and technological advancements that align with our commitment to designing and engineering state-of-the-art food and beverage facilities.

What We Bring to the Table

At the WEBBER/SMITH Group®, we offer a complete suite of engineering services focused on creating efficient, safe, and innovative environments for the food and beverage industry. From total design for new facilities to expansions and renovations, our in-house team of experts handles it all. We believe our presence at the Expo will allow us to demonstrate how our master planning and remedial design services can directly address the unique needs of the confectionery and snacks industries.

Showcasing Our Expertise

We are looking forward to showcasing several of our recent projects which highlight our expertise in integrating complex systems and ensuring compliance with stringent food safety standards. These projects demonstrate our ability to enhance operational efficiencies and manage project scopes of various magnitudes, from minor renovations to major expansions.

Networking and Collaborative Opportunities

Networking is a core component of the Expo, and we are eager to meet with existing clients and forge new relationships. The collaborative atmosphere of the Expo will allow us to exchange ideas, learn from other industry professionals, and potentially partner on future projects. Our team is particularly interested in discussions around sustainable practices and how we can integrate these into our designs to not only meet but exceed, the expectations of our clients and the industries we serve.

Learning and Innovation

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is also an educational platform that provides insights into market trends and consumer behaviors. By attending the various educational sessions, we aim to gain deeper insights into the current and future landscape of the snacks and confectionery industries. This knowledge will directly inform our strategic planning and design processes, ensuring that our solutions are not only effective but also innovative and forward-thinking.

Meet Us There!

If you are attending the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis this May, make sure to stop by the WEBBER/SMITH Group’s booth. Our team will be on hand to discuss how we can help your business through our tailored engineering and design solutions. Whether you are planning a new facility, considering an expansion, or simply looking for ways to optimize your current operations, we have the expertise to assist you.

We can’t wait to connect with you at the Expo and explore what the future holds for the snacks and confectionery industries. See you in Indianapolis!

For more information about our services and past projects, please visit our projects page. Let’s build something great together.

We are thrilled to announce that The WEBBER/SMITH Group® will be attending PACK EXPO East 2024, set to take place from March 18-20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. As a leader in engineering and building design for the food and beverage industry, we are excited to be part of this dynamic event, which stands as the largest PACK EXPO East show to date.

PACK EXPO East 2024 promises to be an unparalleled gathering of over 7,000 industry professionals and more than 400 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in packaging and processing solutions across 100,000+ net square feet of exhibition space. This event is the premier destination for those looking to explore cutting-edge technologies, forge new partnerships, and witness innovation in action.

For 45 years, the WEBBER/SMITH Group® has been dedicated to creating sustainable, food-safe environments that are scalable, cost-effective, and meticulously executed. Our participation in PACK EXPO East underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety.

Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into a wide array of solutions addressing the needs of over 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and more. The show floor will be brimming with educational opportunities, networking events, and the chance to connect with experts and peers alike.

We invite you to join us at this landmark event to discover how our client-centric design development process can benefit your operations. Whether you’re looking to improve your current facilities or embark on new projects, PACK EXPO East provides the perfect platform to explore possibilities and drive your business forward.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the future of packaging and processing technology. We look forward to meeting you at PACK EXPO East 2024 and discussing how we can support your goals with our expertise in creating food-safe environments.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit https://www.packexpoeast.com/

In the ever-evolving landscape of the packaging industry, staying informed about the latest trends and data is crucial for businesses and professionals alike. The “3rd Quarter 2023 PMMI Quarterly How’s Business” report, published by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the industry. This insightful report covers key aspects such as new orders, quotations/proposal activity, late payments, backlog, supply chain disruptions, and broader economic indicators like the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Producer Price Index (PPI).

From the contraction and expansion trends in new orders and quotations to the challenges and improvements in supply chain disruptions, the report provides a detailed look at the industry’s performance in the third quarter of 2023. Additionally, it delves into the broader economic context, offering valuable insights into the manufacturing sector’s health and price trends affecting the industry.

Job Title: Structural Design Specialist / Engineer 
Department: Structural Engineering 
Reports To: Structural Team Leader 
Approved Date:   
FLSA Status: Exempt 

SUMMARY 
Plans, conducts, and coordinates the various phases of structural engineering work for assigned projects. Performs work which involves conventional structural engineering practice but may include a variety of complex features. Work requires a broad knowledge of concrete, steel, and masonry design, and a good working knowledge of food processing and food distribution facilities.  Mission Focus: Professional Development, Excellence in Structural Design Services, Leading Edge Technology, Client Satisfaction. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Must be an effective communicator with client, design team, and contractors in resolving and maintaining project direction. 
• Works independently and is technically capable of providing most detailed structural calculations and specifications required to develop and define packaging and processing systems and layouts. 
• Evaluates and recommends most design philosophies for project and determines engineering systems to be provided to meet the project program and client needs. 
• Proficient with RISA, RAM and/or similar structural design software.  Must have the ability to become proficient in RISA and RAM.   
• Can clearly outline design alternatives and provide summary of associated benefits/concerns. 
• Works with other engineers and designers that may be assigned to the project team within the same discipline. 
• Researches and applies code requirements in design including all necessary contacts with the appropriate local officials to ensure proper code compliance. 
• Prepares most project specifications. Prepares addenda and bulletins to correct/clarify/alter contract documents when necessary. 
• Responsible for review of project submittals and shop drawings. 
• Conducts site surveys to determine conformance with design intent during construction and to evaluate existing conditions during design. Prepares reports to document surveys. 
• Evaluates and responds to field questions and interprets drawing and specification conflicts; evaluates contractor alternates during bidding and construction. Makes recommendations for the resolution of conflicts. 
• Evaluates, advises, and implements improvements to project delivery system including design procedures, construction materials, standard designs, etc. 
• May assist the Structural Team Leader in training other engineers and designers on technical related issues. 
• Must be familiar with the capabilities and limitations of Revit and AutoCAD 
• Possesses discipline specific knowledge of regulatory agency guidelines including USDA, FDA, PMO, 3A standards, HACCP, and related issues. 
• Experience and a working understanding of Windows programs such as Word and Excel as well as discipline specific programs 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 
A bachelor’s degree in civil or architectural engineering is required at a minimum.  Also, the successful candidate must possess five (5) years, or more, of structural engineering experience.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 
FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) certification required.  Being a Registered Professional Engineer is a plus. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to make site visits (travel utilizing air, train, and car) and move freely in customer facilities and construction sites. 

Job Type: Full-time 

Salary: $68,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year 

Benefits: 

• 401(k) 
• 401(k) matching 
• Flexible schedule 
• Health insurance 
• Health savings account 
• Paid time off 

Schedule: 

• Monday to Friday 

Supplemental pay types: 

• Bonus pay 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s (Preferred) 

Experience: 

• Food Industry/Cold Storage Project Management: 5 years (Preferred) 
• Mechanical or Industrial Engineering: 1 year (Preferred) 

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lititz, PA 17543 

In the discipline of structural engineering, especially in the food and beverage manufacturing industry, collaboration is essential. At WEBBER/SMITH Associates, Inc., we pride ourselves on our ability to integrate various engineering disciplines to create structures that are not only robust and compliant but also tailored to the unique needs of our clients. This collaborative approach is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern structural engineering.

Collaborative Dynamics in Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a field that requires meticulous attention to detail. In the food and beverage sector, this is compounded by stringent regulatory requirements and specific client needs. Rich Thibeault, Manager of the Structural Engineering Department at WEBBER/SMITH, highlights the importance of this integration, stating, “Working closely with other disciplines ensures compliance with building codes and aligns with the specific needs of MEP systems.”

This statement underscores the essence of our collaborative approach. Structural engineering cannot operate in isolation. It requires a symphony of expertise, where mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural disciplines come together to create a harmonious and efficient structure.

Incorporating Unique Structural Challenges

In the food and beverage processing and distribution industry, there are unique challenges with structural engineering. Our Structural Engineering professionals are adept at low and medium temperature building design, understanding the nuances of expansion/contraction, temperature gradients, and the impact of different room temperatures on structural components. We consider factors such as seismic zone requirements, wind shear, and snow load in our designs, ensuring durability and compliance.

Integrating Disciplines for Comprehensive Solutions

At WEBBER/SMITH, we understand that integrating various engineering disciplines is crucial for the success of any project. For instance, in most food processing plants, the placement of heavy equipment, the need for temperature control, and the routing of electrical and plumbing systems all have implications on the structural design. The coordination between the structural team and other engineering disciplines ensures that these factors are considered from the outset, leading to a more streamlined and effective design process.

Navigating Complex Building Codes and Client Needs

One of the most challenging aspects of structural engineering in the food and beverage industry is navigating the complex web of state-specific building codes. Thibeault notes, “Each state has its own licensing and building code requirements. Our job is to ensure compliance across these diverse regulations.” This is where the collaborative spirit of WEBBER/SMITH shines. By bringing together experts from various fields, we can tackle these complexities more effectively, ensuring that our designs not only comply with the codes but also align with our clients’ operational needs.

Addressing Specific Design Requirements

Many of our clients have washdown chemicals that we need to consider when selecting structural components and designing production platforms. Our designs incorporate chemical resistance, where needed, and smooth, washable surfaces in food-safe production spaces. We also specialize in handling unique structural design loads, including walk-on ceilings, conveyors, process and utility piping, as well as vibrating and shaking equipment.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Collaboration

Advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our ability to collaborate effectively. Thibeault mentions the adoption of new software like RISA, which allows for more sophisticated structural analysis and design. Additionally, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems has revolutionized how different engineering disciplines collaborate, allowing for a more cohesive and integrated design process.

Enhanced Structural Options for Food Plant Engineering

Incorporating insights from Food Plant Engineering, we recognize the variety of structural framing and equipment support options available for operations. The optimal choice depends on factors such as the type of food processing or storage, sanitation requirements, building size and height, and equipment locations. Options like conventional framing, concrete pre-cast, box-inside-box, rigid frame, platforms, and foundations each offer unique advantages and must be carefully considered in the design process. This further emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, as each option impacts various aspects of the facility’s design and functionality.

The Future of Collaborative Structural Engineering at WEBBER/SMITH

Looking ahead, the importance of collaboration in structural engineering will only continue to grow. As the food and beverage industry evolves, with new processing technologies and changing regulatory landscapes, the need for cohesive and integrated engineering solutions becomes even more critical.

At WEBBER/SMITH, we are committed to staying at the forefront of this evolution. Our collaborative approach, combined with our deep expertise in the food and beverage sector, positions us uniquely to meet the challenges of the future. As Thibeault aptly puts it, “Our goal is to not just meet the current standards but to anticipate and be ready for future developments in the industry.”