Less Labor, More Output: GTF’s Recipe for Modern Processing
Labor shortages are one of the most critical challenges facing the food industry today. In fact, by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million food manufacturing jobs could be left unfilled. With rising wages, an aging workforce, and intense competition for talent, food producers are finding it harder than ever to recruit and retain employees. The consequences of understaffing are serious -- impacting everything from product quality to food safety. So, the big question is: how can you get the most from your workforce without pushing them to the brink of burnout?
How GTF Helps Address These Challenges
GTF sees these challenges as opportunities for innovation. That’s why we’ve designed our RENU™ Drying and Milling System to be labor-efficient on several levels:
#1 Redefining Labor Efficiency with 2-in-1 Processing Technology
The RENU System’s innovative 2-in-1 technology significantly enhances labor efficiency by consolidating two traditionally labor-intensive processes -- drying and milling -- into a single, automated workflow. In conventional setups, each process typically requires a dedicated machine and full-time operator, resulting in increased staffing needs and higher labor costs. Operators are often tied up with routine tasks like loading materials, monitoring machine performance, and coordinating handoffs between systems.
By contrast, the RENU System eliminates these redundancies. Its integrated design means one machine seamlessly handles both drying and milling, reducing the need for multiple operators. In fact, a single part-time operator can easily manage the entire operation, freeing up skilled labor to be redeployed nearby. This not only streamlines production but also helps companies do more with fewer people -- an especially valuable advantage in today’s labor-constrained environments. The result is a leaner workforce model that drives down costs while maintaining high throughput and consistent quality.
#2 Total Automation. More Efficiency. Less Labor
At the core of the RENU System is the P2OS Operating System, engineered to maximize labor efficiency while meeting the rigorous standards of the food industry. With a simple touch on the user-friendly HMI, operators can control the entire system… eliminating manual loading, feeding, and associated mess. Raw materials are conveyed into the sealed, airlocked system automatically, and finished powder exits cleanly – completely hands-free.
Each RENU System is custom-built and pre-programmed with your facility’s unique processing “recipes” to minimize setup time and operator input while ensuring consistent, repeatable results. A network 20 built-in sensors continuously monitors critical parameters like temperature, humidity, and flow rate to maintain consistent output and compliance with food safety standards without manual adjustments. This dramatically reduces training demands and minimizes the risk of human error or contamination.
Real-time diagnostics instantly detect and report anomalies, allowing immediate corrections that reduce waste and avoid extended downtime. Predictive maintenance further enhances labor efficiency by enabling planned service windows, preventing unexpected breakdowns and the need for reactive labor. And remote access and troubleshooting from the GTF engineering team means your operators have expert support at their fingertips—ensuring smooth operation and rapid issue resolution.
#3 Thoughtful design for user convenience
Every component of the system was intentionally engineered with user convenience, sanitation, and efficiency in mind. From the overall structure down to the smallest detail, the design prioritizes accessibility and minimal maintenance.
The mill is mounted on precision rails, allowing it to open smoothly in two directions without specialized tools. This multi-directional access provides full exposure to internal components, making routine inspections, deep cleaning, and maintenance not only possible but effortless. The result is a system that simplifies operations and saves labor hours – helping your team focus on productivity.
In today’s labor-constrained food manufacturing landscape, efficiency isn’t just an advantage -- it’s a necessity. GTF’s RENU™ Drying & Milling System offers a forward-thinking solution that empowers producers to overcome staffing challenges without compromising on quality, safety, or output. By combining processes, integrating advanced automation, and implementing intuitive design, RENU helps you streamline operations, reduce costs, and maximize productivity with fewer hands on-deck. With GTF, less labor truly does mean more output.
Find out how you can reduce labor and modernize your facility with the RENU™ Drying & Milling System. Learn more at GTF Technologies or contact us at info@gtf-technologies.com.