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There are more plant-based food and beverage products on the market than ever before. Whether it’s oat milk or meat alternatives, the appetite for plant-based foods is bigger than it’s ever been, with 6 out of 10 U.S. households purchasing a plant-based food item in 2022. The plant-based food market totaled more than $8 billion in 2022, and industry experts project the popularity and demand for plant-based food products will continue to grow and eclipse $160 billion by 2030. This means food and beverage manufacturers from traditional meat titans like Tyson to meat-free pioneers like Impossible Foods are accelerating their plant-based production to meet demand and lead the charge in the plant-based space.

A recent discussion of current trends in the industrial automation world explored in part how manufacturers are striving for increased digital connectivity in order to leverage a more data-driven, transparent approach to manufacturing. While a more connected ecosystem has a number of benefits in terms of production efficiency, flexibility, and output, it does present some challenges in maximizing the space of your production floor. For example, a more connected automation infrastructure can mean an increased number of industrial enclosures to help power manufacturing equipment.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) identified the need to create growth and expand facilities as one of the top trends for manufacturers in 2023. However, the ability to create long-term, sustainable growth hinges on the efficiency and adaptability of your automation infrastructure. When it comes to large enclosures, the choice usually comes down to unibody construction versus a more modular approach. Designing around standard modular enclosures has a much higher ceiling in terms of unlocking new growth opportunities.