The National Association of Manufacturers has recognized Smithfield Foods Inc. company with two 2019 Manufacturing Leadership Awards for its zero-waste-to-landfill initiative and SAP technology integration project. The prestigious awards honor projects and Ieaders that shape the future of global manufacturing.

“Recognition for these projects goes to the more than 54,000 Smithfield Family members whose continuous commitment to innovation keeps us at the forefront of our industry,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “The high-caliber of work delivered by our employees enables Smithfield to continue to fulfill our mission to produce good food in a responsible way.”

Smithfield’s zero-waste-to-landfill initiative, which encourages the company’s domestic facilities to meet a rigorous set of criteria to eliminate waste sent to landfill, was recognized with a Manufacturing Leadership Award. This program results in reduced waste disposal costs, additional revenue from selling recyclables, and decreased pollution, contributing to the company’s goals to reduce waste to landfills 10 percent by 2020 and greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2025.

“This initiative has improved our business operations and, at the same time, reduced our environmental impacts,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “I am extremely proud of the members of the Smithfield Family involved in this project for the incredible work they are doing to meet and exceed our aggressive sustainability goals and targets, earning recognition from across the manufacturing industry.”      

Smithfield’s SAP technology integration project earned a Manufacturing Leadership Award for successfully integrating and streamlining the global food company’s business functions under one operating system, which drives efficiencies and enhances performance across all plants and production lines. Smithfield’s modernization of its infrastructure and harmonization of business applications also increases visibility of the company’s performance and customer orders and optimizes its manufacturing processes.

“Our SAP integration project has allowed us to optimize our business processes and operate on one system, as one company, while gaining greater visibility into all aspects of our business,” said Julia Anderson, global chief information officer for Smithfield Foods. “We are continuously evaluating and leveraging emerging technologies to transform our business. Through this One SAP implementation, our employees utilized technological innovations to improve the way Smithfield interacts with customers and provides high-quality food to consumers.”

Smithfield will be recognized at the 15^th Annual Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, which will be held on the last day of the Manufacturing Leadership Summit, June 10-12, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, CA.

Source: Smithfield Foods Inc.