Meat+Poultry - April 2023 - 71

SMALL SPACE, BIG RESULTS
With all of its business growth, it's surprising to many
that all the company's processing happens in an
8,000-square-foot plant.
IN ONE
MIX & GRIND
MeatCrafters recently finished a new curing room
that will allow it to triple its business and grow its
customer base even more.
The company stays focused on each step of
processing products in the blooming and curing
rooms, using computers to measure and watch pH
levels and water consistency, so they know precisely
when the products are ready for packaging.
When Moser takes visitors on plant tours, she
always looks forward to their feedback.
" It's always fascinating to watch their faces
because a lot of people think that the products are
cooked, but it's not. It's cured, which is why the
HACCP plan is so important, " Moser said.
Along with the curing rooms, MeatCrafters also
built out processing rooms, freezer space, office space,
smokers and storage to accommodate the growing
demand for its products.
" That's the last bit of space we have right now, and
we'll utilize that until we have to make the next big
decision, " Moser said.
Currently, MeatCrafters operates producing
products five days a week, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With the curing process for many items taking six
to eight weeks, the meat producer must keep up its
schedule as it works with new and existing customers.
" We're constantly rotating through the production,
so we know what days we're making sausages, what
days we're going to make whole muscle products,
what days we're going to make salamis, " Moser said.
To keep track of the orders, the company invested
in a new inventory system to keep all of its recipes and
supplies up-to-date and integrated.
Another unique part of MeatCrafters is being
a USDA-inspected facility only 11 miles from
downtown Washington, DC, giving it a chance to serve
restaurants, consumers and farmers inside and outside
of the DC area.
Throughout their eventful ride, Moser and
MeatCrafters remain dedicated to crafting high-quality
products for their discerning and growing customer
base. Building a small business that creates an
interesting workplace and employee experience has
also been rewarding.
" It's a great thing to see a company grow and know
that you've brought all these people along as well.
That's really important to us that everybody is happy,
and everybody has a say in the company processes and
product line. "
MACHINE
Try it at our
Innovation
Center
ftiinc.org/innovation
Quickly and easily grind
beef, pork, and poultry
Easily mix and grind meat in one machine with our
line of KT Mixer Grinders. Holes in the lid allow you
to monitor the mixing cycle and feed the required
additives without stopping the machine. Various
grinding blades and accessories are available to
achieve the extrusion style you desire. Learn more
about our mixer grinders at iinc.org/grinders
FTIINC.ORG/GRINDERS
309.588.4803
www.meatpoultry.com | 04.23 | MEAT+POULTRY 71
http://www.ftiinc.org/innovation http://www.ftiinc.org/grinders http://www.FTIINC.ORG/GRINDERS
Meat+Poultry - April 2023

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