This issue let’s get off the normal path and have a bit of fun with personal stories from the past that relate to petfood production.
Back in the 70s, when first I was starting and assigned to the TC in Sabetha, Ks for the summer to learn about extrusion. Well, it seems others were learning as well when a client did not think we could make a product at 10 tons per hour for 24 hours without stopping. We did, and Marc, Wenger and I were part of the crew who had to box the output in 10lb boxes right off the final cooler. It was semi-moist and back-breaking kibble.
Drafting was my first office position after the TC summer, and one project was to figure out how to make a four-color, four-shape product, mix and keep the equipment running. Four bins and timing to change the product so that each bin never went empty to keep the packaging system working. It was about managing the timeline and anticipating the sequence of events.
Traveled quite often to Australia as it eventually was one of my areas of responsibility. Great memories, one of which was at a customer’s Brisbane location with all the major extrusion manufacturers invited to give lectures. They were concerned that we might not all go together to dinner as they feared what would happen if we all were together; maybe we would get into a rugby scrum! In any case, we all went and had a great time telling jokes and laughing. At that point and I feel it is still today almost a fraternity of people who just happen to have the same job for different companies. I always had a fond time talking with other extruder salespeople. We actually look for each other at shows.
Another Australian tale was being there during the Australian Petfood Association meeting week and just happened to be invited to the dinner one night for Friskies. The Uncle Bens guys were losing it as to why I was there with them, and the reason was just to stir the pot, as happened. Sold gear to both over the years, had great friends, we still communicate with some after so many years. Australians love their pets; that is for sure.
Eventually, as was my style, move around quite often to new areas. South America was just at the right time when the economy turned up there. Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, and Brazil were hot like molten steel. Found some great agents and sales were fantastic. Had a lot of fun in South America and it was natural; you had to be trusted and to be trusted, you had to be friends with the SA clients. Fishing on rivers in Brazil and Argentina, hunting in Argentina, cookouts on campfires and many other events cemented these friendships and resulted in memories forever.
One special customer, Total Alimentos, at the time owned and operated by Dr Miranda, may he rest in peace, challenge us endlessly. Started with standard systems for dry expanded petfoods, moved into semi-moist kibble and pet treats. Started to really have fun when we had to develop equipment used to make these products. Filled leg bones with soft centers, layered product like an ice cream sandwich. Multiple color pieces and many others. He purchased a line per year for 10 years in a row. Grew to the top 10 petfood manufacturers in the world. There were many others and all were fantastic to work with.
Back to the agents, my boss once asked me why it worked so well in South America? My response was friends first and business second. Further explanation clarified the point, we became such good friends that neither of us burdened the other with wasted work; we learned to figure out what was real, greatly eliminating work for our organization and them as well. Three categories of clients: back burner, front burner and in the oven; we took care of all, to make it work.
Seminars for South America started in the main production areas, then the idea hit that let’s do them at a beach resort. Did not go well with management until we were allowed to try. The idea was that owners would attend with their wives. We arranged activities for the wives to socialise during the lectures, while the open afternoons allowed owners to spend time with their wives. It worked out fabulously, and we repeated it yearly in different fun locations.
On a trip to Argentina, I met Jacqueline Mars at one of their plants and back in those days their plants were spotlessly clean, and I told her how impressed I was with her petfood kitchens. It is a special time when you get to meet such an important person from your industry.
Overall, my most favorite times were in the Technical Center where we learned about every aspect of extrusion, drying, as well as related topics. In the early days of extrusion, when you visited a company, you were expected to know what the deal was and how to answer questions, or at least I felt that I was building a relationship with the clients. I still get the chance to utilize these long-ago-learned skills from the original artists of extrusion to assist companies in improving and understanding the science and rules of extrusion. Did not realize at the time that some timeless lessons were embedded into us as these processes developed. Yes, computers assist greatly, but you have to get the system set up correctly to achieve their full potential. These last comments are a tribute to the guys of the past who taught us and to the gentlemen met at seminars from other extrusion companies, who have walked the same path and have shared knowledge for the advancement of the industry. You know who you are and congratulations on your hard work now and in the future.