When building food manufacturing plants, it is vital to understand the product and the process for producing, packaging and storing raw materials, and the end product. This is coupled with mechanical and electrical design complexities, sanitation issues, energy-saving measures, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance and equipment integration. It is no wonder that many factors need to be weighed, whether you are building a new facility or upgrading an existing plant.

After a year of union walkouts and protests by truckers opposed to California labor law AB5, the Port of Oakland expects cargo volumes to rise this year and is focused on preparing for the next generation.