INNOVATION
We regularly review equipment performance, production flow, and quality data. Each year, we implement a number of targeted improvements across our facility based on these insights, focusing on upgrades that strengthen reliability, improve product consistency, and increase long-term efficiency.
TECHNOLOGY
At Vann Family Orchards, we invest in technology that improves visibility, accuracy, and overall performance across the facility.
Artificial Intelligence
Material Handling
Autonomous tugs move bins throughout the facility, with the ability to transport up to 12,000 pounds at a time. This reduces manual handling, improves coordination between processing stages, and keeps product moving efficiently across the plant.
Controlled Processing
Our in-house pasteurization unit gives us greater control over product handling and readiness. This capability reduces reliance on third-party processing and increases flexibility in how almonds are prepared for different markets.
Robotics
On the inshell side, our robotic pallet stacking and wrapping have significantly increased throughput, boosting capacity from 270,000 pounds to 400,000 pounds of inshell per day. This allows us to process more product without sacrificing control or consistency.
Automated Packing
On the kernel side, a carton line scale packs approximately 9 to 10 boxes per minute, representing more than a 40% increase in speed. This level of precision improves packing accuracy, reduces overfill, and helps control costs across every shipment.
Renewable Energy
Operations
Our approach to innovation extends beyond equipment. It’s built into how almonds move through our operation from arrival to final shipment.
Across every stage, our team continuously evaluates performance and refines workflows. This focus on process improvement ensures we operate efficiently, maintain quality, and deliver consistent results year after year.
Optimized Receiving
Receiving and staging improvements, including over 120,000 square feet of added concrete, have strengthened how a product is unloaded, organized, and prepared for processing. This expanded space improves truck flow during harvest and allows almonds to move into the system more efficiently.
Equipment Management
Digital maintenance management software allows our team to track equipment performance, identify trends, and proactively schedule repairs. This reduces unexpected downtime and keeps operations running during peak periods.
History & Heritage
Sustainability
Our Sister Companies
