A Dairy Products Distribution Facility: Layout and Operating Methods

Excerpts from the report: The distribution of fluid milk and other dairy products is becoming a complex and costly operation. Because of vigorous competition, low volume of production, and high cost of operation, many small dairy processing firms either have closed or have been purchased by larger, more efficient firms. Because it is more economical to operate one big plant than to operate several small ones, many large firms have combined their total processing operations at one location to reduce their processing costs. Some processing plants have been converted to distribution facilities, but many of them are poorly planned and improperly designed. Because of changes that are occurring in the distribution system, the efficiency of operating methods and facility designs must be reevaluated to reduce rising costs. This report is intended as a guide to dairy plant operators who plan to build dairy products distribution facilities. Emphasis is placed on planning and designing a facility that will maintain maximum efficiency and reduce distribution costs. It contains a detailed description of a distribution facility that uses efficient operating methods and labor practices and cites the potential benefits to be derived from such an operation. A site plan shows the location and arrangement of the main building and its supporting installations.