(Cablevey Conveyors: Oskaloosa, IA) -- Even when people love the look of a car or SUV, most would not complete a purchase before a test drive to confirm how the vehicle performs on the road. Similarly, an increasing number of food processors are realizing the importance of “test driving” conveyor equipment at OEM test facilities, which use their actual product to ensure the equipment meets processor quality, flow, and cleaning requirements before they make the purchase.

In response, some OEMs have invested in state-of-the-art test facilities that allow food processors to run product on the same type of equipment they are considering for purchase while benefitting from expert consultation to optimize their process.

“We encourage food processors to test their products [at our facility] and observe the results to ensure they meet their needs,” says Larry Van Zee, retired executive vice president of Cablevey Conveyors, a mechanical conveyor manufacturer that serves the specialty food, coffee, powder, nut, frozen food, and pet food markets. “They can ask questions in real time. They can test for fines or degradation. They can see for themselves how the product flows in the conveyor and how easy it is to clean.”

 …