Tyson Foods has created a new US facility designed to help the company develop more automation and robotics for its food production plants.
Located in Springdale, Arkansas, the Tyson Manufacturing Automation Center (TMAC) provides space for the development of new manufacturing solutions and collaboration with the company’s information technology team and equipment suppliers. It also serves as a location for team member training on new technology.
The two-storey, 26,000-square-foot unit 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.
“Innovation has been a fundamental part of our success for almost 85 years,” said Noel White, president and CEO, Tyson Foods. “This facility represents our commitment to creating the next generation of manufacturing solutions through advanced automation, robotics and machine learning.”
The centre is in a building that was previously used to service vehicles for Tyson’s poultry business. Reclaimed wood from the company’s original headquarters was used in the renovated building.
In the last five years, Tyson has invested more than $215 million in automation and robotics.
Doug Foreman, director, engineering, Tyson Foods, will manage the day-to-day operations of the facility.
“The key to TMAC’s success will be the collaboration of world-class talent bringing expertise from all aspects of processing,” he said.
“Their 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.”
Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation, added: “The creation of the Tyson Manufacturing Automation Center is a key enabler for the company to collaborate and bridge the suppliers in the automation industry with their production facilities.
“Tyson Foods’ 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.”
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