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.

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

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…
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Behind APEC’s Collaborative Food Processing Equipment Design Process

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…
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Animal Feed Industry Outlook & How to Upgrade Your Process

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…
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Animal Feed Pellet Coating: Problems and Solutions

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…
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Reducing Labor Dependency Through Automated Ingredient Systems

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…
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6 Ways to Improve Feed Mill Efficiency and Lower Operating Costs

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…
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5 Powder Flow Control Problems And How to Fix Them

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…
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How to Improve Process Equipment Integration & Training

Before you make a large capital investment in processing equipment, it’s important to understand the entire process of equipment integration, calibration and testing.  In this guide, we explain: What process equipment integration involves Why calibration is important How operator training improves performance What testing should…
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How Material Properties Impact Ingredient Feeding Systems

Ingredient handling systems are often designed around a set of expected material characteristics and assumed material flow properties. Engineers assume a certain bulk density, flow behavior or moisture range when selecting feeders and designing hoppers.  In practice, ingredient properties rarely remain perfectly consistent. Changes in suppliers, seasonal raw material…
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4 Factors for Choosing a Powder Handling Equipment Manufacturer

Working with powders presents unique challenges across industries. The right powder handling equipment can improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce operating expenses and extend system life. Choosing the right powder handling equipment manufacturer is a critical first step. Not all manufacturers have the same level of expertise,…
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