These robots pack deli meats faster than humans—and they check packages for vacuum leaks before they’re boxed.
For people who grew up in the Philadelphia area in the last 50 years, Dietz & Watson is practically a household name. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear people ask for Dietz & Watson (D&W), whether they’re purchasing lunch meat at the grocery store or having a hoagie custom made at their local deli.
D&W started as a family business in 1939, and moved to its present location in Philadelphia at 5701 Tacony Street in 1975. Last year, its warehouse, which was located in New Jersey just across the Delaware River, burned to the ground. The company then purchased additional land next to its Philadelphia location for more than enough cold-storage space—plus a few new production lines to keep up with demand for its products, including artisan cheeses and condiments. The company also owns plants in New York and Maryland.