In a winery, certain areas of your facility are subject to stringent safety regulations, especially those dealing with volatile substances, such as alcohol storage and bottling. These areas often fall under Class 1 Division 1/2 classifications, which require specialized equipment and systems to prevent hazards like electrical sparks that could ignite flammable substances. Ensuring that your winery meets safety and compliance standards is critical—not just for the wellbeing of your staff, but for the continued operation of your business. At TM Process & Controls, we highlight explosion-proof electrical systems and mechanical solutions that comply with the highest safety standards. By working with TMPC, wineries gain peace of mind knowing that their production processes are safe, compliant, and protected against the risks associated with hazardous environments. We take the complexity out of compliance, ensuring your winery is equipped with reliable, certified solutions th

With growers facing rising operational costs, a focus on recycling of materials, and as methyl bromide and other pesticides and herbicides are being phased out, forward-thinking companies are looking for an effective alternative to sterilize soil, control disease pathogens, nematodes, insects and weeds. Why? Because healthy, insect-free, and disease-free plants produce higher yields of vegetables and flowers in less time, reaching the market sooner and resulting in faster sales. Safe, Clean & Effective. Soil sterilization is an essential part of growing plants as well as reusing or selling media. And one of the most effective ground sterilization solutions to achieve this is with something surprisingly simple: steam. Using a commercial soil steamer is a highly effective way to prepare soil in your greenhouses, high tunnels, or open fields for planting.Using steam rids the substrate of fungi, diseases, invasive species, weed seeds, and other harmful biological materi

Get Your Cooling System Ready for the Season Ahead As spring arrives and vineyard life begins to bloom again, it’s the perfect time to wake your chiller from winter hibernation. A smooth startup now means reliable cooling when you need it most — whether you’re cold-soaking rosé lots or prepping for bottling. Below is a helpful step-by-step guide to safely and efficiently hook up and prepare your chiller for winery use this season: Spring Chiller Startup Checklist 1. Clean the Condenser Coils Spring debris like cottonwood, pollen, and leaves can restrict airflow. Use a soft brush or coil-safe cleaner to remove buildup. For heavy grime, a gentle rinse with water may help — just avoid damaging the fins. Straighten bent fins with a fin comb if needed. 2. Remove Winter Protection Take off tarps, overhangs, or insulation used for winter protection. Ensure there’s no trapped moisture, which can lead to rust or mold. 3. Inspect Power & Electrical Conne

Why Annual Maintenance Is Essential for Your Pruning Tools – And How Infaco USA Has You Covered When you rely on high-performance pruning tools like the INFACO F3020 electric pruning shears or the AT1000 electric tying machine, keeping them in peak condition isn't just a good idea—it's a necessity. For vineyard owners, orchard managers, and professional growers, tool performance directly impacts productivity, precision, and safety. That’s why annual maintenance isn’t just about fixing wear and tear—it’s an investment in longevity, efficiency, and peace of mind. And no one understands that better than INFACO USA. Why Annual Maintenance Matters Your electric pruning tools are hard at work every season, operating under tough outdoor conditions— dirt, rain, moisture, sap, and repetitive use. Without proper care, even the best equipment can lose performance, develop mechanical issues, or wear out prematurely.  Here’s what&nbs

An Arc Flash Study is a critical safety analysis that evaluates the potential risks posed by electrical faults within a system. It calculates the energy released during an arc flash event, defines the arc flash boundary, and specifies the necessary personal protective equipment to safeguard workers. For wineries where electrical systems are integral to processes like fermentation, bottling, and pasteurization, conducting these studies is essential to protect both personnel and operations.  Why Wineries Need Arc Flash Studies Arc flash incidents - sudden, high-energy electrical faults - present serious risks to workers in any industrial setting. In the wine industry, where large-scale electrical equipment is used throughout production, these risks can have devastating consequences. An Arc Flash Study provides wineries with:  Risk Mitigation: Identifying electrical hazards and recommending safety protocols to protect employees. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to

With decades of automation expertise, Clevertech delivers fully integrated, customizable solutions to streamline production and enhance efficiency for wineries across North America. The family-owned business is one of the hallmarks of the wine industry. These are the oldest type of commercial organization. Studies have found that they are more likely to thrive, in part because they approach business from a legacy perspective. One of the reasons for this success is the inherent multi-generational focus. “The family legacy matters,” says Beth Zarnick-Duffy, who has worked with many family-owned wineries in her 30-year career and is now a sales manager for Clevertech North America (NA). “It's more personal, more about relationship building.” “I agree. It’s a big plus,” says Giorgio Zanardi, Clevertech NA’s General Manager. “Our parent company, Clevertech SPA, is a family-owned company. That means when we do business with our cu

At Papé Material Handling, we understand that maximizing material handling efficiency is crucial for your business’s success. Whether you’re managing a warehouse, construction site, or manufacturing facility, sideloaders can provide the specialized capabilities needed to handle long load handling and easily navigate narrow spaces. What is a Sideloader? A sideloader is a forklift specifically designed to transport long loads such as timber, steel pipes, and oversized pallets. Unlike conventional forklifts that position loads in front, side loaders carry materials on a side-mounted platform, allowing operators to maneuver easily through narrow aisles and maximize space in your facility. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sideloaders 1. What is the cost of owning a sideloader? The cost of owning a side loader varies depending on the model, capacity, and features you need. At Papé Material Handling, we offer a range of side loaders to suit different budgets

In a recent project, TM Process & Controls, Inc. undertook a detailed power system study at one of the largest distillation facilities in the US Virgin Islands. The mission was to enhance electrical safety and system efficiency through a series of critical analyses and updates. The team’s work included a Short Circuit Analysis, an Arc Flash Study, and Protective Device Coordination. Additionally, they applied OSHA-required NFPA 70E labels and updated the facility's single line drawings. This comprehensive study, suggested by OSHA every five years or following major electrical modifications, aims to mitigate electrical hazards and ensure the safety of personnel working with electrical systems. While the project focused on a major distillery, the same rigorous safety measures and studies can be applied to various industrial manufacturing facilities, including wineries of all sizes. The primary goal of these assessments is to prevent electrical accidents and protect workers

According to Technopedia, “Future proof” describes a product, service or technological system that will not need to be significantly updated as technology advances. Purchasing a Future Proof Palletizer A palletizer purchased today must be as future-proof as possible because it will likely be in operation until 2034, or perhaps as far into the future as 2044. With a life expectancy of one to two decades, a palletizer built today must be engineered with machine control and layer configuration software, electro-mechanical parts, sensors, robots (for some applications), and other components that will perform efficiently and reliably as the machine ages. The manufacturer of the selected palletizer must also be a long-term partner able to provide after-market service and support capabilities that increase the likelihood of maintaining, and when needed, updating or modifying the palletizer to maximize machine life. Basic Considerations There are basic considerations that must

The Importance of a Generator Maintenance Program In the modern business environment, reliability and efficiency are paramount. A key component of ensuring these factors is the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance program, particularly for critical infrastructure like backup generators. Such programs not only prevent unexpected downtime but also extend the lifespan of equipment, ensuring that businesses remain operational even during emergencies.  Why a Maintenance Program is Crucial for Businesses 1. Minimizing Downtime One of the primary benefits of a maintenance program is the reduction of unplanned downtime. For businesses that rely heavily on continuous operations, even a short power outage can result in significant financial losses and damage to their reputation. Regular maintenance ensures that equipment such as generators are always in optimal working condition, ready to provide backup power when needed. 2. Extending Equipment Lifespan Regular maintenance helps