News
The Kansas Manufacturing Council has added a new face and some stimulating events in its mission to create a stronger and more prosperous manufacturing sector.
Joe Pennington, president of Stevenson Company in Topeka, recently joined the Board of Advisors. “The Kansas Manufacturing Council is providing support, knowledge, and resources for the manufacturing industry. The voices of innovation and jobs creation should be heard and disseminated. I’m excited to listen, learn, and advocate where I can,” said Pennington.
Pennington is looking forward to visiting Kansas manufacturers during a “Making Kansas” bus tour. “Even after thirty years in the industry, I still feel like a kid at a Wonka factory when I visit these facilities,” he said. “People would be amazed and surprised at the commitment to technology, innovation, and environment going on here.” The bus tour will kick off in September, stopping in shops statewide to spotlight the impact enterprises are making to communities and the economy.
Stevenson Compa
ny, Inc. is pleased to announce that Jason Huston has been promoted to Project Manager to the delight of an expanding clientele.
“Jason stood out among the candidates due to his experience, his reputation as a man of integrity, and his demonstrated ability to connect with customers,” Stevenson president Joe Pennington said. “I am especially impressed with Jason’s vision for the success of our food manufacturing partners. Jason understands the critical issues of food safety, allocation of resources, and minimizing downtime inside plants. He is well-equipped to help customers increase consumer confidence and grow profitability.”
Our customer service counter is open by appointment only. We are reducing person-to-person contact to ensure continued healthy services inside food plants. We lack waiting areas or adequate meeting space for distancing, so we ask that you place inquiries via telephone and orders via email. Until there is zero percent chance of disease transmission, walk-in access is suspended. Delivery and pick-up drivers are encouraged to schedule these events in advance.
President Trump and Governor Kelly met about food safety and supply this week. They discussed how to address virus outbreaks. They illustrated a recent example working together with private industry to ensure stores of plentiful and healthy food.
One of the most common causes of food safety problems is the sanitary design of manufacturing equipment, or the lack thereof. Food manufacturers can save significant money if they invest right the first time in sanitary equipment. A Stevenson Spiral Chute is especially catered to these concerns. Ways that the Stevenson Spirals help maintain food sanitation are:
No nooks, cracks and crevices – a spiral has one fluid design that minimizes hard to clean cracks and crevices that can harbor bacteria
Equipment feet – equipment should be designed with the minimum required number of legs to reduce harborage possibilities. Stevenson spirals stand on one solid stainless steel mount
Flat surfaces – plants should minimize flat surfaces, especially in wash-down areas where microorganisms are easily transferred by water. All angles on the equipment must be curved or rounded. The Stevenson Spiral is built curvier than a Dr. Birx chart.
Equipment finishes – Stainless steel surfaces accommodate effective cleaning and eliminate any chance of bacterial survival.