TechHelp Assistance to Food Processors

TechHelp is unique among Manufacturing Extension Partners (MEP) nationwide in that it offers a full suite of services designed to help food processors improve their products, processes and competitiveness. Food Processing Specialist, Jeff Kronenberg, of TechHelp and the University of Idaho has a thorough knowledge of the specific challenges facing the food processing and distribution industry and can help your company find the solutions it needs.

TechHelp's Food Processing Team also includes university faculty and contracted partners. Together we bring a wide variety of services to the food industry through site visits, needs assessments, on-site project work, on-site training and applied research in university laboratories.

Watch a video about the development of the Artisan and Farmstead Cheese industry in Idaho.

Above, Jeff Kronenberg, left, of TechHelp and the University of Idaho works with with Luis Garcia to implement the Lean for Food Processors program at Great American Appetizers in Nampa, ID.

Food Success Stories Litehouse Shows the Way with Spirit of Innovation Ballard Cheese Garners Awards and Market Share Great American Appetizers Adds Products & Profits Potato Products of Idaho Adds Products & Profits

Food processing is big business in Idaho and TechHelp plays a key role in keeping the industry healthy and growing. TechHelp assists Idaho food processors in a number of ways including:

• Lean Manufacturing for Food Processors helps food companies reduce waste including work-in-process, floor space utilization, and lead time and improve productivity, customer service, quality, safety and employee retention.
• Lean Manufacturing for Food Processors with Workplace Language Issues does all the above with a workforce that has language and cultural challenges.
• Small Scale Dairy Assistance programs help Idaho dairies create and improve products such as artisan cheese.
• Eureka! Winning Ways helps Idaho food processors develop measurably smarter ideas for new products, markets and messages that will make them more profitable.
• Product quality and food safety programs help processors meet regulatory requirements and add new products. 
• Quick line change-overs is one key Lean Manufacturing Tool that can benefit food processors.
• Third Party (AIB, ASI, etc.) food safety inspections help food processors meet regulatory requirements.
• Prepare to address regulatory compliance issues with FDA, OSHA, DEQ, or other agencies.

Idaho Food Processing Facts:

• The state of Idaho ranks fourth in the nation in dairy production.
• Southern Idaho's fish farmers, produce 45 million pounds of commercially grown trout per year, about two-thirds of the country's trout production
• Idaho is the 4th largest manufacturer of natural cheese in the U.S. making more than 620 million pounds annually in the state.
• Idaho's dairy industry is the 4th largest manufacturer of American style cheese, producing more than 482 million pounds annually in the state.
• Approximately 40.1 million gallons of Idaho produced milk is processed into fluid milk for drinking.
• Idaho's manufacturing and distribution plants are some of the most modern and efficient in the U. S. with sales estimated at approximately $2.5 billion.

Idaho Dairy Facts 2010: Click Here