In Episode 79 of the Trending: Pet Food podcast, host Lindsay Beaton talks with Justin Moore, the Technical Center manager at Wenger Manufacturing. They discuss the upgrades at Wenger’s facility, which now includes modern extruders and dryers, improved testing capabilities, and remote technology that allows clients to test products without interrupting their own production.
Lindsay Beaton, Editor at Petfood Industry magazine and your host for today: Hello! Welcome to Trending: Pet Food. I’m Lindsay, your host, and today we have Justin Moore from Wenger Manufacturing. Hi, Justin! Glad to have you on the show!
Justin Moore: Hi Lindsay! Thanks for having me.
Beaton: Before we dive in, let me share a bit about Justin and Wenger. Justin has been with Wenger since 2018. He leads the Technical Center team, handling staff, equipment, and performance. With a degree from Kansas State University, he brings experience from his previous role as Plant Manager at CJ Foods.
Wenger Manufacturing was established in 1935, and it specializes in extrusion cooking systems. These systems are essential for producing everything from plant-based proteins to pet foods. Based in Sabetha, Kansas, Wenger designs each system to meet the unique needs of its customers. Their Technical Center is renowned for helping clients develop and manufacture high-quality extruded products.
Now, Justin, let’s talk about the Technical Center. It had some updates recently. What motivated these changes?
Moore: Well, Lindsay, it was vital to modernize the Technical Center. Launched in 1965, it needed updates to meet current food safety standards and expand our capabilities.
Beaton: Can you explain what the Technical Center does for the industry? What benefits do clients get from it?
Moore: Absolutely! Our Tech Center is equipped with state-of-the-art extruders and dryers. We provide scalable research and development for extrusion-based products. It’s a hands-on environment where clients can test operations without halting their own processes.
Beaton: I’ve heard a lot about the importance of partnerships in the pet food industry. How does the Technical Center foster these partnerships?
Moore: Great question! We work closely with a variety of industry players. Potential customers come to see our equipment, and our existing clients often collaborate with us on new products or ingredient adjustments. This setup allows them to experiment without the risk of shutting down their facilities.
Beaton: Have customers expressed a need for these upgrades? Were they asking for more capabilities?
Moore: Yes and no. The previous setup lacked the necessary segregation for safety. We wanted to enhance our capabilities and research efforts for both human and pet foods.
Beaton: I know the remote technology at the Technical Center is impressive. How does that work?
Moore: That’s one of our best upgrades! We introduced the Galen J Rokey Education and Outreach Center with mobile cameras allowing customers to join live demonstrations from anywhere in the world. Drones capture the process in real time, making it easier for clients to stay connected even without being physically present.
Beaton: What challenges do you help clients overcome with these updates?
Moore: We can offer clients clear insights into whether their ingredients and processes will work effectively. With full-scale equipment, we follow a product through every stage of production, ensuring everything meets their expectations.
Beaton: What do you think clients appreciate the most about the Technical Center now?
Moore: Clients love seeing our full-scale equipment in action. This experience helps them make informed decisions about new products or market expansions without the costs of interrupting their own operations. Plus, our team of processing experts helps guide them through every step.
Beaton: Education is an essential part of what you do. Can you elaborate on that?
Moore: Certainly! Education is key. We host demonstrations and seminars, showing clients how pet food is made from real equipment. It’s vital for training new operators and fostering learning in extrusion processes.
Beaton: Looking to the future, what are your hopes for the Technical Center?
Moore: We aim to keep collaborating with clients, pushing innovation in pet, aquatic, and human food production. Our goal is to continue testing new ingredients and processes while leading in education and technological advancements.
Beaton: Thank you, Justin. The Technical Center seems like a great asset for the industry. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation in producing top-quality pet food. I appreciate your insights today!
Moore: Thank you, Lindsay! It was great to be here.
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