Tomato Season Has Arrived!

The food processing industry relies heavily on companies like Nationwide Boiler for providing temporary steam for seasonal production, especially every summer when tomato season rolls around. One report indicates that California accounts for more than 90 percent of the U.S. production of tomatoes and in 2008 the state recorded a $953 million crop. As a food staple, tomatoes can be found in one form of another in most every household and are used in ketchup, pizza and pasta sauce and salsa, and many other products requiring tomato paste.

Nationwide has always taken a proactive approach towards renting equipment to tomato processors located in California's Central Valley. To keep the industry running, it is vital that Nationwide stock an adequate amount of trailer-mounted boilers in anticipation of an abundant harvest, on top of equipment already rented out to customers in other industries. It is also important that Nationwide continually stay in contact with tomato processors well in advance of the start of the season to ensure equipment is available and operating prior to tomato delivery.

One prominent processor located near Modesto, CA recently rented a 70,000 lb/hr trailer-mounted boiler with a CataStakâ„¢ SCR system and an EconoStak economizer. As in previous years, the equipment was delivered as the company was preparing to ramp up production prior to the first tomato-laden trucks rolling in. The addition of the CataStak and EconoStak improved boiler efficiency and the boiler easily met the 5 ppm NOx emission requirement required by the local air district. Not only is Nationwide providing an immediate supply of steam, but the company is also providing an environmentally green solution.

The next time you enjoy ketchup with your fries or when you add an extra scoop of sauce to go with your spaghetti, remember that Nationwide Boiler was involved in making sure those tomatoes made it to your plate, and we expect to continue to do the same - time and time again.