St. Joseph, MI: When it comes to capturing the flavor of Michigan's agricultural products, Hanson Logistics' deep freeze is the answer for berries, cherries, apples, carrots, peas and many other crops.
Ensuring Michigan's agricultural products get from the farm to the table in the best, most flavorful condition is crucial for the continued success of farmers, as well as the state. Agriculture is Michigan's second largest industry, generating $71.3 billion for the state's economy and employing roughly one million residents.
No other Michigan-based warehouse company has invested more in the past two years to support farmers, and Hanson Logistics intends to remain the growers' go-to cold storage solution.
"This is where it all began," says Andrew Janson, president, Hanson logistics. "We are firmly committed to providing best-in-class storage and distribution for the agricultural community, many of whom have been our customers for more than 50 years."
The company's most recent investment includes a new refrigeration system upgrade for its Hart, MI warehouse. New 630-ton evaporative condensers are more energy efficient, using less water and power to keep the 6 million cubic feet facility at -10F. At -10F, fruit and vegetable flavor is locked in for longer periods, allowing growers to distribute their annual crop over the coming year to markets throughout the world.
Countries everywhere rely on Michigan's vast agricultural production. With more than 53,000 farms, the state ranks second nationally in diverse agriculture production and fifth in processed vegetable production. Michigan is the leading producer of 19 commodities, including blueberries, tart cherries and Niagara grapes.
In addition to cold storage, Hanson Logistics also can play a role in distribution, with both its own trucks as well those managed by Hanson Transportation Management Services.
"It's pretty much a 'one call does it all' service," Janson says. "Growers need to know there's room for them when it's harvest time. That's why we're here."
"With the new regulations contained in the Food Safety Modernization Act passed in January, our customers demand that we operate safe and efficient facilities. The bottom line: There is no room for error, and Hanson takes that approach seriously."
The Hart investment caps two years and significant investment of improvements to Hanson's Hart, Decatur and Hartford facilities. All three are located in prime farmland and designed specifically for agricultural support. The locations provide easy rail access and efficient outbound transportation, along with Excellent Ratings from the American Sanitation Institute, which is important for Michigan farmers. The state's agricultural producers export about one-third of their commodities each year. Michigan ranks fifth and eighth respectively for national exports of fruits and vegetables.
