Southwest Washington labor press. [volume] (Hoquiam, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1926-08-20

ctlp1oJeb from 20 70 l0u perSl
have 800 persons at work before
The eannery started operations on
Grays Harbor blackberries last week,
and Wednesday it started on the first
consignment Of pears from Eastern
Washington. Part Of the employees
will continue to preserve and can
blaelzbarries. but most Of them win
be engaged on the pears. Mr.. Rib
beck says that 5000 gallons Of
blaekberries are being handled every
day, and this output viii Be continued
fer ct least four weeks unless unfav-
orable weather makes picking impos-
sible.
HI. Ribbeck believes that approxi-
mately one car load Of pears can be
handed each day at the cannery, and
possibly increaed within two weeks
when the season reaches its height.
Scores Of orders for pears and black
berries have been received by the
plant, most Of them coming from the
middle-western states. Mr.. Ribbeck
circulafized the middle-west during
the period when the cannery was be-
ing built, and the orders are the result
Of his efforts.
The cannery had its inception last
spring when Mr.. Ribbeck, who had
previously decided that Grays Harbor
offered . splendid opportunity for
fruit and vegetable cannery, met with
the industries committee of the Ho-
quiam Chamber Of Commerce. The
committee endorsed his proposal, and
later the chamber membership gave
its approval. Similar action was
taken BY the Aberdeen chamber, and
drive for funds was quickly brought
to a successful elimination.
a NatpE front site on the Hoqulam
portion of the port area was selected
for the location Of the cannery, and
early last. month construction was
started. Today, a handsome, two
story brick and concrete building is
in place, and practically all needed
equipment has been installed. The
cost Of the cannery and equipment has
been approximately $125,000, and the
plant should have an annual turnover
Of $500. 900, Mr.. Ribbeck said.
The equipment purchased for opera
tion is ali new and Of the most mod
ern type. In the lower part Of the
building where eli machinery is To-
Gated, there are two exhausters, one
for large and one for small cans;
three scaling machines for No. 2, 21-2
and 10 cans; two cookers, for large
and small cans; and two coolers.
The fruit is cooked from seven to 20
minutes at 21O degrees heat. It is
then transferred to the coolers. The
front of the building is equipped with
pear tables which are divided into
three racks. This part Of the plant
contains 160 sinks and benches for
the workers.
A 40-foot blackberry grading table
has been installed between the cam
ming machinery and the pear tables
where the blackberries are graded on
an endless belt. Women and girls
viii make up the entire staff Of en-
ployes in the packing, grading and
cooking departments.
The second story Of the cannery Is
ito be converted into storage room,
general offices and packing rooms.
Later a cafeteria will also be installed
here, II Mr.. Ribbeck's plans material
ize. This cafeteria, where the en-
ployes can obtain meals at cost, will
be an innovation for this part Of the
country. II it is established, en-
piOyes Of the plant will be able TO
purchase meals at approximately one
half the price asked In restaurants,
and they win also benefit by q sub
stantial saving in time.
President Ribbeck spoke highly Of
the work Of Superintendent Gordon in
the installation Of equipment arr
rangemsnt Of time-saving systems
and handling Of the mechanical details
IN connection with the completion Of
the plant. He declared that the ar
rangements made are a model Of
efficiency and that waste Of time and
effort is reduced 10 a minimum.
A spur track has been completed
around the north side Of the building
and q new gravel road has been built
near It, thus expediting transporta-
ton to and from the cannery. Mr..
Ribbeck plans to extend the road
around the north side Of the building
SO that supplies can be delivered ct
the most convenient place in the plant.
sao IoTN TrAMsTERs