Customer Spotlight: How Johnvince Foods Saved Millions and Boosted Product Quality with Onsite Nitrogen Generation
Johnvince Foods (JVF) is a leading bulk foods manufacturer and distributor in North America. In the mid-90s, JVF acquired the exclusive packaging rights for Planters Nuts’ Canadian division, and today, the company supplies nut food products to almost every major grocery retailer.
JVF is known for its commitment to innovation. As an early adopter of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), they pioneered the use of nitrogen blankets to preserve the freshness of their products. However, the business was facing the challenge of high cost and low control of bulk liquid nitrogen for the process.
They contacted Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. (AGT), who proposed the solution of onsite nitrogen generation for a more consistent, reliable source of gas. With the new system in place, JVF experienced improved product quality, reduced operating costs, and increased profitability.
This article provides a case study of the benefits of onsite nitrogen generation for the food packaging industry.
The Challenge: High Cost and Low Control of Bulk Liquid Nitrogen
In modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), nitrogen takes the lead in keeping nut food products fresh and high-quality. By displacing oxygen that’s in ambient air, this silent defender stops spoilage from happening. However, getting bulk liquid nitrogen is a big challenge for many manufacturers. It is expensive to purchase from industrial gas suppliers, and it means giving up control over a crucial ingredient.
JVF in particular had to buy bulk liquid nitrogen from suppliers on a continual, ongoing basis. This predicament left them grappling with the question: how can we balance the benefits of MAP with the high cost and limited control of bulk liquid nitrogen?
The Solution: An Onsite Nitrogen Generating System by Advanced Gas Technologies
A significant shift occurred for JVF in 2006 when senior management discovered the possibility of producing nitrogen through a process offered by Advanced Gas Technologies. Intrigued by the potential to cut costs and gain control over nitrogen supply, previously at the mercy of market prices, JVF reached out to AGT that January.
AGT’s experts thoroughly evaluated JVF’s nitrogen needs, both immediate and anticipated for future growth. Taking into account JVF’s specific flow and pressure patterns and purity levels, AGT presented a custom turnkey nitrogen-generating solution. This system was complete with a feed air compressor, PSA nitrogen generator, full installation, and ongoing support.
The onsite nitrogen generating system AGT proposed could produce 8,000 standard cubic feet (SCFH) at a minimum nitrogen purity of 99.5%. The capacity was more than twice what JVF required at the time, allowing the company to grow into it without having to worry about installing a new system.
The Results: Improved Product Quality, Reduced Operating Costs, and Increased Profitability
JVF’s strategy to operate the system only when necessary proved to be a triumph in energy efficiency, leading to a rapid recovery of the investment within a mere 18 months.
Over 15 years have passed since then, and JVF’s growth has not outpaced the system’s capabilities. Impressively, it continues to surpass its original flow and purity expectations. The decision to switch from an external nitrogen supply to an in-house system, crafted and implemented by Advanced Gas Technologies, has been financially advantageous for JVF, amounting to savings in the millions over the years.
What’s more, JVF achieved product quality and shelf life improvements while also reducing its environmental impact.
Choose AGT’s Onsite Nitrogen Generators for Food Packaging
This Johnvince Foods case study is a testament to the advantages of having a nitrogen generator onsite for MAP. The benefits of adopting such a dynamic system are multifaceted; they translate not only to superior food quality, but also to operational efficiency, cost savings, and a clear step towards sustainability.
Contact AGT today and discover how your food packaging process can harness the power of nitrogen to maintain the savour that your customers crave.
