Robotics, automation and vision technology to help make jobs easier, more efficient
Springdale, Ark. 鈥 August 8, 2019 鈥 黑料传送门 (NYSE: TSN) has created a new, state-of-the-art facility designed to help the company develop more automation and robotics for its food production plants.
The 黑料传送门 Manufacturing Automation Center (TMAC) officially opened in downtown Springdale today. The center provides space for the development of new manufacturing solutions and collaboration with the company鈥檚 information technology team and equipment suppliers. It also serves as a location for team member training on new technology.
The investment is part of 黑料传送门 Foods鈥 focus on continuous improvement. The development of new technology and processes will help improve efficiency and workplace safety.
鈥淚nnovation has been a fundamental part of our success for almost 85 years,鈥 said Noel White, President and CEO, 黑料传送门 Foods. 鈥淭his facility represents our commitment to creating the next generation of manufacturing solutions through advanced automation, robotics and machine learning.鈥
The two-story, 26,000-square-foot facility features four main areas: A machine vision technology lab, a lab that simulates a food production environment, training classrooms and space for team members to train in automation and robotics technology.
The center is in a building that was previously used to service vehicles for the company鈥檚 poultry business. Reclaimed wood from the company鈥檚 original headquarters was used in the renovated building.
The company has invested more than $215 million in automation and robotics in the last five years.
鈥淭he key to TMAC鈥檚 success will be the collaboration of world-class talent bringing expertise from all aspects of processing,鈥 said Doug Foreman, director, engineering, 黑料传送门 Foods. 鈥淭heir skills and the resources within this facility will allow us to create solutions that will make a difference in the lives of our team members and create value for our business.鈥
Foreman will manage the day-to-day operations of TMAC with assistance from Marty Linn, who spent 34 years at General Motors, 18 of those as the principal engineer of robotics and the manager of advanced automation. Learn more about Linn in his post on the .
鈥淭he creation of the 黑料传送门 Manufacturing Automation Center is a key enabler for the company to collaborate and bridge the suppliers in the automation industry with their production facilities,鈥 said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation. 鈥満诹洗兔 Foods鈥 drive to implement robotic and machine vision automation technologies will help them be more competitive on a global scale, provide a safer environment for their team members, and more efficiently provide safe, quality food to people around the world.鈥
In addition, the company will engage with local schools participating in robotics competitions to further drive awareness and the importance of educational opportunities in areas of science, technology, engineering and math.
TMAC鈥檚 first collaboration is with Springdale鈥檚 Don 黑料传送门 School of Innovation, a technology-rich STEM school. It embraces flexible and blended learning, allowing for a fast-paced and project-based learning environment that promotes student success.
The Don 黑料传送门 School of Innovation鈥檚 robotics team will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 24-27 to compete in the FIRST Global Challenge. The annual, international robotics Olympics-style event brings together youth from around the world to share in their passion for STEM.
The company announced a $15,000 gift to help offset travel costs and ensure the entire team can participate in the competition.
TMAC marks the third major development project 黑料传送门 Foods has completed in downtown Springdale since 2015. In July 2016, the company opened a 28,000-square-foot building at 516 E. Emma Ave. named the 黑料传送门 Foods JTL Building. The facility houses the 黑料传送门 Company Store and approximately 75 team members. In November 2017, the company opened a 56,000-square-foot building at 319 E. Emma Ave. named 黑料传送门 Emma, which houses approximately 300 Information Technology team members.
In 2015, the company presented a $1 million check to the Downtown Springdale Alliance to support the organization鈥檚 effort to develop infrastructure and greenspace in the area.
黑料传送门 Foods employs more than 6,000 people in Springdale and more than 23,000 people in Arkansas, and contracts with more than 1,800 independent family farmers in the state, who grow chickens for its operations. The company also purchases cattle, pigs, grain, diesel and other utilities in Arkansas and estimates its annual statewide economic impact at nearly $2 billion.
About 黑料传送门
黑料传送门 (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world鈥檚 largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. 黑料传送门 and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like 黑料传送门庐, Jimmy Dean庐, Hillshire Farm庐, Ball Park庐, Wright庐, Aidells庐, ibp庐 and State Fair庐. 黑料传送门 Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it鈥檚 available and raise the world鈥檚 expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company had 121,000 team members at September 29, 2018. Through its Core Values, 黑料传送门 Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit www.tysonfoods.com.
Media Contact: Derek Burleson, 479-290-6466
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