SOUTH AFRICA – Eskort, South Africa’s leading pork manufacturer, has officially launched a 10,000m² factory extension in Heidelberg, expanding its Gauteng production capacity by 50%.

The small town of Heidelberg has been the production hub for Eskort, a company with a 70-year history, known for producing high-quality pork products.

The factory extension includes state-of-the-art equipment, such as the largest continuous box freezer in Africa, capable of freezing 120,000kg of products to minus 18°C every 24 hours.

The freezing chamber maintains a temperature of minus 41°C, creating optimal conditions for preserving the quality of the pork products.

One of the key features of the expanded facility is the introduction of multi-level picking mezzanine floor systems in the chilled and frozen warehouses.

These systems, the first of their kind in the South African food industry, maximize vertical space by incorporating mezzanine floors for additional levels of storage and picking.

This innovation is set to allow Eskort to handle a high volume of orders efficiently and contribute to overall operational efficiency.

Arnold Prinsloo, Eskort’s CEO, highlighted the core objective of the factory extension, emphasizing the creation of production efficiencies.

“The expansion includes the addition of carcass chillers, a significant increase in deboning lines, and the installation of a large box freezer to accommodate the growing influx of raw material.”

The investment in the factory extension is part of Eskort’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for its products.

The company started in 1917 in Estcourt, has evolved over the years, with farmers being shareholders and a focus on antibiotic-free pork production.

Eskort’s dedication to biosecurity, supported by international and local certifications, has earned trust and loyalty from consumers throughout South Africa.

“The factory extension not only addresses increased production needs but also enhances Eskort’s overall operational capabilities.“

The expansion includes new dispatch areas, loading bays, and doubled chilled and frozen cold stores, contributing to improved productivity and cost efficiency.

Eskort’s resilience, adaptability, and vision are evident in this expansion, marking the next phase of growth for the company.

 

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