West Liberty Foods LLC announced its plans to install an additional high-pressure processing technology system in its Bolingbrook, Ill. facility. The Hiperbaric 525 High-Pressure Pasteurization System (HPP) will be the fifth unit for the company with installation set for January 2015. This machine will support increased volumes for clean label products, and at capacity will process up to 20 million pounds per year. The increase in capacity is anticipated to create approximately 20 additional jobs.

High-pressure pasteurization is an all-natural, environmentally friendly, cutting-edge technology that uses water under very high hydrostatic pressure to destroy harmful bacteria in foods. This process provides enhanced food safety, a longer shelf life and a reduced dependence on preservatives while maintaining flavor and nutritional value. There is growing consumer demand for clean label food products that are minimally processed with simple ingredient listings and free from chemical additives.

“We are committed to the highest standards in food safety and food quality,” said Ed Garrett, President and CEO of West Liberty Foods. “With the addition of the newest high-pressure pasteurization machine to Bolingbrook, it will allow us to stay at the forefront of our customer’s needs, and lead the industry’s best practices for clean label products in the marketplace.”

Currently, West Liberty Foods has HPP units at their Tremonton, Utah, and Mount Pleasant, Iowa, facilities that were installed in early 2013. The company acquired a fourth machine with the recent purchase of the Bolingbrook, IL facility in 2014.

“We are very proud to partner with West Liberty Foods and see them becoming our largest customer globally,” said Jaime Nicolas-Correa, VP of Global Sales and Director of Hiperbaric in North America.

West Liberty Foods has a strong history of dedication to food safety. In 2010 they received a Clean Room Food Processing Systems, Methods, and Structures patent for their manufacturing facilities. The company is headquartered in West Liberty, Iowa, and employs over 2,000 team members company-wide with four manufacturing locations in West Liberty, Mount Pleasant, Tremonton and Bolingbrook.

Source: West Liberty Foods