Murray Cannery needed to upgrade the conveyor systems at its 18,000 square foot food processing facility. Its standard chain and sprocket conveyor systems, which had been in place for quite some time, were becoming high-maintenance, dangerous and messy. It needed the upgrade not only to streamline operations and ensure higher throughput, but to provide a cleaner, safer atmosphere.

Based in Murray, Utah, Murray Cannery is a private non-profit organization run by the Church of Latter Day Saints. The volunteer-based cannery processes food for welfare and disaster relief programs.

"Because we are working with volunteers, it was more important then ever to protect them from the dangerous elements of a food processing plant," says maintenance manager Tom Hardcastle.

To do that, the cannery installed belt-driven conveyor systems at all stages of production. Enclosed AC-powered motors within sealed roller tubes provide a safer working environment. The sealed rollers protect workers from coming in contact with the drive element. They also provide all the torque, power and speed to increase productivity.

The enclosed belt-drives also prevent bacteria build-up and lubricant contamination, which improves sanitation at the plant. They reduce maintenance requirements as well.

In addition, the cannery shifted its power supply from 208 VAC to 460 VAC. It was quite an undertaking as each belt-drive roller was reconfigured and/or rewired to meet the new 460 VAC input requirement. Five belt-drives were replaced and 25 rewired. Hard work paid off as the upgrade continues to streamline operations and increase throughput.