2020 has been a year for change at JBT in Brazil, but for positive reasons rather than anything to do with the Covid-19 pandemic. Far from being deterred by the challenging circumstances, JBT is continuing to support processors and exporters by making a major investment in the expansion of its manufacturing and training facility.
Inaugurated in May 2020, the Araraquara, São Paolo-based facility has added an extra 1,7934 m2 to the existing 11,0421 m2 site (including an 1,0160 m2 expansion of the manufacturing center). JBT has also separately been investing in technologies to support customers in Brazil during the ongoing pandemic, including adding internet (iOPS Gateway) connectivity to existing JBT equipment to enable remote assistance, as well as introducing innovative PRoSIGHT smart glasses to the country to help JBT technicians diagnose problems from a distance.
JBT’s PRoSIGHT uses augmented reality smart glasses
Technological solutions
Speaking at the opening of the Araraquara expansion earlier this year, JBT FoodTech Southern Hemisphere president J. Miguel Ruiz described the investment as an example of JBT’s “commitment to Brazil.” “The current changing situation favors companies that export and with that food exports have increased and become more profitable,” said Ruiz, who explained the new facility would meet customer demand for new technologies and investment plans during and following the pandemic.
“The investment in our Brazil manufacturing facility is a recognition of our competitiveness and the good work carried out by our team in Brazil over recent years,” he added.
Customers attend a workshop at the JBT Araraquara facility
Safety protocols
Currently, the Araraquara site host both virtual tours of the facility and a limited number of in-person visits, providing a concise update of the latest JBT developments and a chance to see new JBT solutions and technologies in action. The facility has helped implement social distancing protocols, including a thermal camera for both employees and visitors. However, JBT is also preparing for post-pandemic life by bringing in new UHT sterilization solutions for Brazil’s expanding dairy sector, while making sure that customers are more connected with JBT than ever before.