At AZO Inc., we continuously monitor developments across industries to stay ahead in automation and material handling solutions. September 2024 brought several significant updates in the food, pet food, and chemical sectors, highlighting trends that could influence various material handling processes. Here's a summary of the key industry news from this month:

Battery Industry Gets $3B Investment from Federal Government

The U.S. federal government has committed $3 billion to boost the battery industry as part of its push toward sustainable energy. This investment aims to accelerate domestic battery production, supporting electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and renewable energy storage solutions. This surge in battery production represents an opportunity to support efficient raw material handling for chemicals and other components used in battery manufacturing.

Read the full article here.

CPI for Baked Foods and Cereals Eases in August

In the food industry, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for baked foods and cereal products saw a slight decrease in August. This easing reflects broader economic trends and market stabilization in certain food sectors. This signals potential shifts in demand for bulk ingredient handling systems as manufacturers adjust to changing consumer behavior and pricing trends. Automation solutions will play a vital role in helping manufacturers maintain efficiency while managing fluctuating input costs​.

Read the full article here.

USDA lowers its still record-high soybean forecast

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on September 12, 2024, that the year's soybean harvest is on track to deliver record-high yields and production, despite a slight downward revision in its forecast. Meanwhile, the USDA slightly increased its projections for domestic corn yields and production, maintained its previous outlook for domestic wheat, but predicted lower global wheat supplies and ending stocks.

Read the full article here.

Artificial Sweetener Market Poised for Major Growth

The artificial sweetener market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $22 billion by 2031. This growth is driven by increasing demand for sugar alternatives across the food and beverage industries, especially as consumers seek healthier, low-calorie options. For AZO, this expanding market presents opportunities to provide innovative bulk handling solutions for these raw ingredients, ensuring that production processes remain efficient while maintaining product quality​.

Read the full article here.

How Inspection Technologies Support Human-Grade Pet Food Manufacturing

As consumer demand for premium pet food continues to grow, manufacturers are adopting advanced inspection methods, such as X-ray and metal detection systems, to identify contaminants and ensure the integrity of ingredients and packaging.

These technologies help manufacturers adhere to food safety regulations and maintain the high quality associated with human-grade products. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating these systems early in the production process to prevent recalls and ensure that pet food meets both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Read the full article here.

As these articles demonstrate, sectors like battery manufacturing, food production, and pet food manufacturing are experiencing significant growth and change. For AZO Inc., the need for advanced material handling solutions has never been greater. We remain committed to helping industries meet these evolving demands through automation technologies that enhance efficiency, safety, and quality.

For more information on our material handling systems, visit AZO Inc..