Meat + Poultry - February 2005 - 46

NEW from

Calihan
company employs approximately 60). "We're proud of
what we've done," says Tom. "It's a town that has gone
through some rough times."
The award may be a sign of more good things to
come. Calihan's production has been growing steadily
over the past few years. When Forbes arrived in 1998,

Model "ESS" Heavy Duty Electric
Hog Stunner
*
*
*
*
*

Heavy duty transformer!
Voltage and amperage meters!
Capable of handling 300 hogs per hour!
Heavy duty ON/OFF switch!
Patented wattage control system that
avoids hemorrhaging!
* Heavy duty reinforced prod design!
* 6 volt waterproof control button!

Model "280"
Breastbone Opener
* New single gear head design,
helps lower maintenance costs!
* Features full 5HP heavy duty, waterproof, hydraulic motor! * Capable of
handling 1,100 hogs per hour! * Equipped with dual 24V anti-tie control
handles with instant stop blade for operator safety!

Photo by Michael Anschuetz.

Air Tri-Purpose

Pork Chine
Bone Saw
*
*
*
*
*

Full 2HP air drive motor!
Adjustable front handle position!
Right & Left hand rotation models!
Available with 9", 91⁄2" & 10" blades!
Dual air trigger system with instant stop!

Air Model "AS-6"
Multi-Purpose Bone Saw
* New ergonomics grip, reduces
vibration by 25%!
* Eliminates bone chilling effects of
aluminum housed air motors!

For more information call,
fax or see our web site!

BEST & DONOVAN
5570 Creek Road; Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA
Toll Free: 1 (800) 553-BEST
Phone: (513) 791-9180 * Fax: (513) 791-0925
www.bestanddonovan.com
For more information, see Page 69
26

MEAT&POULTRY

February 2005

www.MEATPOULTRY.com

the company was slaughtering about 200 hogs a day.
Today, it has doubled production by improving efficiencies and hiring more employees.
Now the company is considering an expansion.
"We're talking about it," says Forbes. "It would take
an addition to the plant, and we could probably double
our capacity if we decide to do it."
But Forbes and the Landons are sure they will not
expand just to get bigger. They also don't want to expand if it has a negative impact on customer service.
"We have to look at the economics," says Forbes. "If
we're working in our niche of 400 hogs a day and
making a reasonable profit ... we're not interested in
expanding to 700 hogs a day and making less profit.
You just can't turn a switch and double your capacity
or increase it even 50 percent."
On the other hand, Calihan is always looking for
new customers, whether national or regional. "We
pride ourselves on being family owned and serving
small, regional companies," says Tom.
Looking back at the history of the company and
how far it has come, Lou Landon couldn't be happier as the company nears its 70th anniversary. "Jim
and my son, and the rest of the people we have here
... it's the best team I've ever assembled," says Lou.
"Everyone here is not working for me - they're
working with me."
The author is a freelance writer from Cleveland.
We would like to hear from you- your comments and questions about this
article are welcome. E-mail the author at: meat&poultry@sosland.com

http://www.bestanddonovan.com http://www.MEATPOULTRY.com

Meat + Poultry - February 2005

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