Processing's Weekly Mixer: Food Processor of the Year, Vaaler Awards and more
Wayne-Sanderson Farms named Processor of the Year by Food Processing
Another week, another round of recognition handed out by Food Processing. One week after announcing Fresh Del Monte Produce's North Portland, Oregon, facility as its Green Plant of the Year, FP followed up with its most prestigious annual award, naming Wayne-Sanderson Farms as its 2025 Processor of the Year.
FP Editor in Chief Dave Fusaro outlines how the 2022 merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms combined complementary processors into a poultry powerhouse that just completed an outstanding financial year.
FP Senior Editor Andy Hanacek adds to the Wayne-Sanderson story with a pair of articles looking at specific aspects of the company's operation.
- Wayne-Sanderson's Plant Ops Embraces Customer-Centric Culture: Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ operations team puts its customers first, using a highly engaged workforce to push the envelope to the benefit of all.
- Wayne-Sanderson R&D Connects Culture with Customers: Product development flows from Wayne-Sanderson's Decatur, Alabama, Customer Innovation Center (CIC), with operations capabilities and company culture on display right across the parking lot.
To learn about previous Processor of the Year winners, click here.
2025 Vaaler Awards Winners announced
Awards season is in full swing across many EndeavorB2B brands, and Chemical Processing recently revealed its 2025 Vaaler Awards, which recognize products and services that dramatically advance the operations and economics of chemical processing plants.
Flowserve, Sherwin-Williams and Yokogawa were honored this year for advancing safety, efficiency and automation in chemical processing plants. Find out more and read the full story here.
Innovation Awards winners announced at P.I. Process Instrumentation
Process instrumentation solutions from Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Icon Process Controls and Sierra Instruments were named winners of this year's P.I. Process Instrumentation Innovation Awards, which were announced November 12.
To view Innovation Awards winners from previous years, click here.
Water Technology's WEFTEC 2025 coverage
Water Technology editorial staff spent three days making the rounds at WEFTEC 2025 in Chicago from September 29-October 1, producing a daily e-newsletter each day of the show, which was sponsored by Schneider Electric.
WT's Keith Larson, Jesse Osborne and Daniel Gaddy, along with other EndeavorB2B editors, attended the show, covering the keynote address and multiple educational and technical sessions, and connecting with subject matter experts from multiple companies to discuss topics and trends in the water/wastewater industry and highlight products found on the show floor.
Visit Water Technology's WEFTEC 2025 show coverage page here.
Recapping the week on Processing
Podcast
This In Processing segment, an audio version an article from Swagelok’s Matt Dixon that appeared in the October print issue, breaks down the key design and safety considerations for reliable fluid sampling in refinery environments.
Articles
The evolution of industrial boilers: Meeting environmental and operational challenges
Key trends shaping the future of industrial boilers, and how these technologies are helping operators meet the evolving challenges of the industry.
How a Daily Management System drives excellence in pharma operations
A Q&A with Andreas Eschbach, founder and CEO of Eschbach.
News
Flexicon unveils new website highlighting bulk solids handling solutions
Garner Industries rebrands as BinMaster Sensors and Technologies
BW Design Group acquires Malisko to expand system integration expertise
US Aggregates launches Utilimin division to expand into industrial minerals
John Crane launches Performance Plus — a new era in service excellence for rotating equipment
Motion Industries launches 2026 training programs for industrial professionals
Emerson to supply automation systems for major U.S. lithium project
Products
Emerson enhances ASCO 327C solenoid valve lineup
Volkmann launches high-volume metal powder management system for 3D printing operations
KEITH Manufacturing unveils RX Technology for WALKING FLOOR bulk material handling systems
Centrifugal impact mill delivers precise particle size control for industrial applications
EndeavorB2B announces 26th anniversary of eChem Expo
EndeavorB2B has announced the 26th anniversary of eChem Expo Solutions Marketplace & Technology Innovations Conference, which will take place April 8–9, 2026, at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Celebrating over 25 years of innovation, eChem Expo continues to serve as the premier marketplace for applied innovation in the chemical process and manufacturing industries, connecting engineers, scientists, plant managers, and technology leaders to the latest solutions driving safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. The 2026 Expo is expected to draw 1,000–1,200 industry professionals and more than 150 exhibitors.
The 2026 event marks the first eChem Expo since its acquisition by EndeavorB2B from EcoChem Strategies in 2025, expanding Endeavor’s portfolio of industry-leading events and brands. “I'm thrilled to share what EndeavorB2B is bringing to the already exceptional eChem Expo,” said Bryan Shackelford, eChem Expo conference director. “With expanded programming, now two full days plus pre-event options, and the power of Endeavor’s nationwide audience reach, the tradition of exceeding expectations continues. And this is only the beginning.”
Read the entire news release here.
New Product of the Week
Rockwell Automation this week announced the launch of SecureOT solution suite, an industrial cybersecurity offering designed to help manufacturers and critical infrastructure protect critical operations and build secure environments.
According to a company news release, SecureOT was developed to close the gap, helping organizations secure their OT infrastructure with technology and expertise built for the realities of modern industrial operations.
“Cyber threats to industrial operations are evolving faster than ever, and legacy defenses simply can’t keep up,” said Matthew Fordenwalt, senior vice president, Lifecycle Services, Rockwell Automation. “SecureOT is more than a brand — it’s a strategic shift in how industrial organizations approach cybersecurity. We’re combining deep industrial expertise with OT-specific technology and services that help customers stay ahead of threats and keep operations running safely.”