JBS

When JBS, one of the largest meat processors in the world, acquired Packerland Packing and other Smithfield companies, the relationship that Tippmann Group had built with those previous companies continued under the new ownership. Having built several construction projects for them prior to the JBS acquisition, JBS called on Tippmann to evaluate the possibility of a similar project at their plant in Plainwell, Michigan.

The project ended up being a 103,000 square foot multi-temperature distribution facility attached to their plant via a 300-foot temperature-controlled conveyor bridge.

Tippmann Group worked closely with JBS’ engineering team and coordinated the project, including automation within the new facility. The conveyor bridge sends cases to a sortation mezzanine and into an auto-palletizer in the new facility.

The system allows full pallets to be put away by traditional warehouse practices, while the individual cases that come through the system are handled by a Mini-Load crane system. A VRT Freezer is also in the facility to handle the individual cases.

Facility Details:

• 103,000 square foot plant-attached distribution center
• attached to manufacturing plant via conveyor bridge
• mini-load crane system
• VRT freezer