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NFPA Journal: Refining the Process
As part of its goal to create a new, state-of-the-art refinery following a catastrophic explosion and fire in 2008, Imperial Sugar turned to Ron Allen to help it devise and implement safety features in all of its facilities.
March WASDE Report: Sugar Supply in U.S. Remains Tight
The USDA has released the March World Agricultural Supply Demand Estimates (WASDE), which include estimates of the supply and demand of many grains and other commodities produced in the U.S. The estimates for sugar were changed in only minor ways.
Ensuring Safety through Continuous Improvement
By definition, safety is a never-ending commitment. It’s a mindset that is reflected in the actions of every worker, as well as by leaders who invest in ongoing programs to make safety an integral part of operations.
Blazing New Trails in Quality and Food Safety
As the Environmental, Health, Safety, Quality and Food Safety team manager, Knezevich is at the center of a matrix of responsibilities.
Sugar Usage Sees Strong Demand
After years of getting a bad rap, sugar usage – and demand – are on the rebound. Andy Briscoe, President & CEO of the Sugar Association, shares his thoughts on the resurgence of sugar.
DMAIC Team Takes Aim at Improving Sugar Color, Boosting Production
When honey-toned, raw sugar arrives at Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery, it’s already 97 percent pure. Transforming it into pure, snow-white sugar requires taking out that last 3 percent of impurities.
Back to ‘Fundamentals’ in Port Wentworth
The average worker only stays with an employer for approximately four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At Imperial Sugar’s Port Wentworth refinery, though, it’s not unusual to run into employees who have been with the company for 30 or 40 years.
Building Stronger, More Strategic Vendor Relationships
“People often feel that requiring bids slows down the process,” says Yvette Woodard, senior procurement manager. “The fact is, the process can go quickly and it drives saving.”
Fair Trade Sugars: 2 million ways to make a difference
On January 31, 2010, Wholesome Sweeteners hit a milestone: The company has officially donated more than $2 million in Fair Trade Certified social premiums to sugar cane farmers and beekeepers in the developing world.
Sheptor Addresses Students at Business Today Conference
John Sheptor, president and CEO of Imperial Sugar Company, issued a challenge to a group of university students attending the recent Business Today Conference in Austin, Tx.
FR Clothing: Avoiding Hazards
The environmental, health and safety publication, EHS Today, has featured safety measures taken by Imperial Sugar Company by outfitting workers with flame resistant clothing. Here is the publication’s cover story.
Visual Factory Techniques Keep Plant Humming
There are four sugar packaging production lines at Imperial Sugar’s cane sugar refinery at Gramercy, La., being run over three eight-hour shifts by 12 different operators – each with a quota to fill. Every minute used to make a changeover or reset costs hundreds of bags of sugar in lost production.
Sugar Packaging Ramps up at Gramercy Refinery
Every day for the last seven weeks a full-time team of employees at Imperial Sugar Company’s sugar refinery in Gramercy, La., has come together to improve its packaging process. Result: increased line speed and throughput in some areas by up to 25 percent, with a 40 percent reduction of sugar losses.
Imperial Enters Stevia-based Sweetener Segment
Imperial Sugar Company is partnering with the leading producer of stevia sweetener products, PureCircle, in a joint venture to develop natural sweetening products for the North American beverage and food sectors.
LSR Sugar Refinery Gets National Media Attention
Associated Press reporter Alan Sayre, based in New Orleans, reports on the new LSR cane sugar refinery currently under construction at Gramercy, Louisiana. The Washington Post and ABC Business News are among the national media to carry the story.
Searching for ‘The Next Great Young Chef’
As any parent knows, kids are more likely to eat something they’ve made with their own little hands. That’s one reason Wholesome Sweeteners is partnering with Kiwi magazine – a publication for “growing families the natural and organic way” – to run a contest called “The Next Great Young Chef.”
Imperial Sugar Takes R&D to Customers
Developing new products and services that make for strong connections with customers is key to any company’s growth. That especially holds true for those doing business in a commodity-based category, such as sugar.
Bringing Some Sweet Relief to Haiti
As people around the world continue to send aid to Haiti, in the wake of a 7.0 earthquake on January 12, Imperial Sugar Company is sending more than 5,000 pounds of what it does better than anyone: sugar.
No Longer 9-to-5, but Still Sweet on Imperial
Rather than fading away into the sunset, retirees of Imperial Sugar Company’s Port Wentworth refinery are shining their light on local worthy causes and the good old days of Sugar Town.
