Stockton, California, plays a central role in the food processing industry in the Central Valley, as food processors in the region benefit from being centrally located near I-5, I-205, and the Port of Stockton. This gives these companies strategic access to a wide network of distribution channels not only across California, but across the globe as well. For this reason, the local economy in Stockton has come to depend greatly on the agriculture and food processing industry.
To keep these operations running smoothly, food processors in the region depend on high-quality food processing metal fabrication services. Choosing the right food-safe steel fabrication partners is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Keep reading to learn more about food processing metal fabrication services in Stockton, CA.
Overview of Metal Fabrication and Machining for the Food Processing Industry
The food processing industry relies on equipment that can not only withstand constant, heavy use but that is also sanitary and easy to keep clean, as this is essential in maintaining compliance with food safety standards. For this reason, stainless steel is often the material of choice in the food and beverage industry. Stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to keep clean—characteristics essential for food safety applications.
Companies in the food processing industry in Stockton, CA, rely on steel fabrication services to craft essential equipment that keeps their operations running efficiently. Common stainless steel metal fabrication needs for food processing include:
- Structural frames
- Tanks
- Hoppers
- Conveyors
- Processing pipes
- Food storage containers
- Prep tables
To ensure components comply with food safety regulations, fabricators must ensure all surfaces are smooth and crevice-free, as this reduces bacterial risk. This is often achieved using TIG welding and food-grade seams. Additionally, clean-in-place (CIP) compatibility, pressure resistance, and adherence to USDA/FDA standards are requirements for food-grade metal fabrication. This makes it essential to work with a metal fabricator experienced in the food processing industry, since equipment failure, contamination, or non-compliance can shut down production lines.
N.J. McCutchen’s Food Processing Metal Fabrication Services
To ensure your equipment is durable, reliable, and food-safe, consider partnering with a metal fabrication provider with a proven track record in the food and beverage industry. At N.J. McCutchen, Inc., we provide food processing clients in Stockton with a wide range of in-house metal fabrication and machining services, from initial design to delivery. Our 50,000-square-foot facility offers a variety of services, including climate-controlled painting, sandblasting, CNC machining, and ASME-certified pressure vessel work. We frequently manufacture food processing components using 304 and 316 stainless steel, both known for their chemical resistance and cleanability in washdown environments.
With our facilities, equipment, and industry knowledge, our team has what it takes to meet your food processing metal fabrication needs. Our CNC machines can accommodate milling up to 120″ x 40″ x 30″ and turning diameters up to 87″. This allows us to handle everything from small precision parts to large assemblies. We also manufacture UL-142 double-wall storage tanks and ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 pressure vessels suitable for food-grade liquids and cleaning agents. We take pride in the quality of our work, our quick turnaround, and full traceability throughout the fabrication lifecycle.
Food Processing Metal Fabrication Services in Stockton
For Central Valley food manufacturers, N.J. McCutchen is a trusted local partner for food-safe metal fabrication. Our team understands the high-stakes environment of food processing in Stockton, CA, and we’re committed to delivering high-quality metal fabrication solutions that meet our customers’ stringent performance and cleanliness standards. Whether you’re planning to upgrade an existing system, build new infrastructure, or repair essential equipment, our experienced team is here to help. You can rely on us for assistance with drawings, prototyping, production, and on-site installation support.
Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities, or request a custom estimate for your project.