APEC Blog

Welcome to the APEC Blog! Your resource for finding insights and equipment solutions for process automation, ingredient handling, weighing and batching, and more. Whether you’re an animal or pet food manufacturer, working in the food production industry, or another manufacturing industry, we cover a wide range of topics to help improve efficiencies, maintain quality, and solve your production challenges.

With a variety of different blog types, we have the resources to support manufacturers looking to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and stay ahead of industry trends. Check out our latest articles below.

Designing Feed Mill Equipment for Winter Conditions

September 29, 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Freezing temperatures can affect more than exposed pipes. In a feed mill that is not temperature controlled, winter conditions can contribute to equipment problems, inconsistent material flow, poor feed quality and sanitation concerns. While preventative maintenance plays an important role in avoiding these issues, winter…

How to Improve Micro Ingredient Batching Accuracy in Feed Production

September 28, 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When a feed formula calls for ingredients in very small quantities, there's less room for error. An inaccurate addition may represent only a small amount of material, but it can have a big impact on the consistency and quality of the finished feed. That's why…

Reduce Feed Costs and Improve ROI with CattlePro

September 16, 2026

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Running a cattle feedlot comes with challenges that are unique to the cattle industry. APEC understands that many of the factors affecting your bottom line are outside your control. But when margins are tight, it makes sense to take a hard look at the costs…

Why Custom Food Processing Equipment Outperforms Off-the-Shelf Systems

July 22, 2026 Food Processing

Before investing in new process equipment, many manufacturers prioritize upfront cost. But a more important consideration is often overlooked: the equipment must match the process. Too often, standard equipment doesn't meet that requirement. No two food processing lines are exactly alike, so how could cookie-cutter equipment possibly fit every…

Behind APEC’s Collaborative Food Processing Equipment Design Process

July 14, 2026 Food Processing

No one knows your production line like you do, from the exact mix of ingredients you're working with to the sanitation standards you must meet and how materials move through your process. Translating those variables into equipment that keeps your line running at peak performance…

Animal Feed Industry Outlook & How to Upgrade Your Process

June 18, 2026 Animal Feed

The animal feed industry is among the highest producing industries in the world. According to the United Nations’ 2024 World Population Prospects, by the year 2050 the global population is projected to increase from 7.7 billion today to an estimated 9.7 billion. This means that food demands will continue…

Animal Feed Pellet Coating: Problems and Solutions

May 18, 2026 Animal Feed

Animal feed pellet coating presents a number of challenges to feed manufacturers. The consistency and properties of the pellets, as well as the consistency and properties of the liquid or powder coating, can all create unique obstacles to adequate and uniform coating. The right pelleting…

Reducing Labor Dependency Through Automated Ingredient Systems

May 1, 2026 Food Manufacturing

Labor shortages and skill gaps continue to challenge food manufacturers across the industry. As experienced operators become harder to find and retain, many facilities are forced to rely on smaller teams to maintain production, often at the expense of consistency, efficiency, and safety. Automated ingredient…

6 Ways to Improve Feed Mill Efficiency and Lower Operating Costs

April 27, 2026 Animal Feed

Unplanned downtime, inconsistent batches, rising labor costs, and constant bottlenecks can quickly erode feed mill performance. When materials do not flow as expected or systems fall out of sync, production slows, costs increase, and product quality becomes harder to control. These challenges are common but fixable. This guide…

5 Powder Flow Control Problems And How to Fix Them

April 9, 2026 Powder & Bulk Solid

Powder flow problems can cause frustration and hours of expensive downtime. These issues occur when bulk materials do not move consistently through processing equipment, leading to blockages, inconsistent output, or material buildup. In this guide, we’ll show you how to improve powder flow by identifying…

12…18 19 Next Page