The back side of Ron headed for the tour, gift, snack shop at the Herr's Potato Chip factory. It is a 15-20 minute ride from Eric and Kelly's. There was a strong west wind, so we are looking north for those of you who need to know this type of info. We got there as a couple of bus loads of 2-4th grade school kids were just finishing up. We started our tour about 15 minutes later. Carol did the theater overview and decided not to walk the 45 minutes on concrete for the rest of the tour.
The factory is quite large and this area is to the right of the tourist entrance. I think they have over 1500 employees and manufacture 24 hours per day, 5 days a week. Weekends are off. One engineer has worked there over 45 years. Many of the "older" workers started as teenagers. Turnover is very minimal. I heard the statistic that they process 500,000 pounds of potatoes per day but really think that must be per week. Potatoes come from all over the East coast. Sorry Ray, I didn't hear Idaho mentioned anytime!! The mechanization was outstanding. All product is X-rayed 3 times before it leaves the plant. They are looking for clumps, discoloration, etc. I'm betting they also have data to show that no metal parts or shavings are in the product. My QC "antennae" really perked up when I heard those stats.
The gift shoppe is nicely done but pricey. There is an OOPS rack on the far right wall where product is half price. Some minor problem keeps the product from retail shelves -- clumps, under/over weight, bad graphics, unsymmetrical packaging, etc. My "cheap-cheap" policy let me make some purchased here!!
While Carol was waiting in the car she decided to take a short stroll near the plant and found this sign. How are yours???
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