MEAT+POULTRY - September 2015 - 43

PLANT PROFILE

Praxair Technology
"It's at the front of our mind right now
and throughout the industry, especially as we
prepare for fall and winter."
Throughout George's history, growers have
played a vital role in the company's success.
Part of the relationship often requires George's
to ask its growers to increase housing and
invest more in their business. Fortunately for
George's, these requests are typically honored
by growers without hesitation.
"When people are willing to build for you,
you know you've got a pretty good reputation
with them," Gary says of the longstanding
grower relationships.

FUTURE FACING
George's employees number 4,800 today, and
Carl says the company is well positioned to
grow with its current system. Additionally, he
says, "We don't play heavily in the retail side of
the business right now, so in the next five or 10
years that might be an area we might try to get
into a little bit more."
The company's leadership team spends
plenty of time discussing strategies and the
shifts in the market that have recently been
positive for George's.
"Both foodservice and retail segments
have leaned heavily into chicken in the past 18
months," Charles says. Looking ahead, "We are
looking hard at where it is that our customers
want us to be."
In the coming year, George's annual sales
are expected to approach $1 billion. "Some of
that is due to inflation in poultry pricing but
we have increased our production every year,"
Charles says.
Carl points out that 2015 will be the first
year since the brothers have taken over that
George's will break into the Top 10 poultry
processors in production of pounds produced.
"That was a big step for George's," he says.
Gary's transition to chairman means he still
comes to work, albeit on a more flexible basis.
"I don't know what I'd do otherwise," he says.
He pauses while thoughtfully reflecting on
the company's history and future.
"What better dream could a father have
than to see his sons take over and be qualified
and willing to work hard and still have the
opportunity to be with them? Boy, I'm a lucky
guy."

ColdFront ™ Cryo-Saver
Tunnel Freezer reduces cryogen
use and improves throughput.

"We've got
a strong,
committed
foodservice
customer base
that buys
product by the
pound and
sells them by
the piece."

The ColdFront ™ Cryo-Saver Tunnel Freezer

- CHARLES GEORGE

and saves up to 15% of cryogen typically

introduces a new angle on freezing
technology that improves cryogen
efﬁciencies and increases production.
Advanced engineering creates a better
version of the traditional tunnel freezer
required, while boosting throughput.

Increase capacity and decrease costs:
* Reduced air inﬁltration lowers cryogen usage
* Recirculates captured cryogen vapor
* Improves processing efﬁciencies
* Direct, rapid heat transfer
* Enhances product quality
* Designed for easy retroﬁt
* Meets USDA sanitation standards

Maximize your process and your
product quality with Praxair.

Call Praxair at
1-800-PRAXAIR or visit
praxairfood.com/cryosaver
to learn more.

www.meatpoultry.com | 09.15 | MEAT+ POULTRY
P-10416-21

43
http://www.praxairfood.com/cryosaver
MEAT+POULTRY - September 2015

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