Jun 22, 2011 10:15 AM

Hanson Logistics’ deep freeze provides a way to capture the flavor of Michigan’s agricultural products, including berries, cherries, apples, carrots, peas, and 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.

“This is where it all began,” said Andrew Janson, president of 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 $1 million 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 –10° F. At that temperature, fruit and vegetable flavor is locked in for longer periods, allowing growers to distribute their annual crop over the coming year to markets worldwide.

With more than 53,000 farms, the state ranks second nationally in diverse agricultural production and fifth in processed vegetable production. Michigan is the top producer of 19 commodities, including blueberries, tart cherries, and Niagara grapes.

Besides 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.

“With the new regulations contained in the Food Safety Modernization Act passed in January, our customers demand that we operate safe and efficient facilities,” said Janson. “The bottom line: There is no room for error, and Hanson takes that approach seriously.”

The Hart investment caps two years and $4 million of improvements to Hanson’s Hart, Decatur MI, and Hartford MI facilities. All three are in prime farmland and designed for agricultural support. These 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.

Based in St Joseph MI, Hanson Logistics provides temperature-controlled supply chain services, and is one of the largest privately held refrigerated warehouse networks in the country, with eight facilities totaling 37 million cubic-feet of deep-frozen, refrigerated, and dry warehousing space.

Access www.hansonlogistics.com for more details.