The Citizen, 1997-06-18, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18,1997 PAGE 7.
Innovation, technology, expansion lead to success
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
Continuous expansion, technol
ogy updating, loyal and dedicated
employees and a vision for the
future have been the keys to the
longevity of Howson and
Howson Ltd. in Blyth.
"Our bookkeeping has been
computerized for 15 years and
we were one of the first to
computerize the dryer," says co
owner Jim Howson.
Though the office computer
systems are now in the midst of
the third updating in 15 years,
Jim says there are advantages and
disadvantages.
In their specialized business of
grain milling, there are only two
or three companies which offer
the software required, he says.
The improvement to the 'point of
sale' information is seen
immediately. Instead of having to
write out an invoice, which is
then entered into the computer
the following day by another
employee, Jim says the
information goes directly into the
computer and flows through the
entire system.
"The new system has helped
with the administration business
because we call pull up better
records and that certainly helps."
he says.
However, Jim also says anyone
considering purchasing new
equipment must consider the time
and expense for training all the
staff to use the new system.
"To change an entire system, it
is at least double the cost of the
hardware and software for the
(company) training and self
training. The amount of internal
training is unbelievable," he says.
Jim also says computerization
is great, but suggests .that
purchasers not buy the entire
program package, but look just
for what you need.
Howsons currently have access
to the internet and plan to
develop a homepage within the
next year, he says. Because of
their limited market (they are
known locally and not large
enough to serve world-wide
demands), they have been
waiting for the right time to go
on-line.
Aside from the computerized
component of their business,
Howsons' flour milling business
is constantly improving.
One of only three companies in
he world with state of the art
iebranning equipment, Howsons
.pecializes in the production of
ligh quality, very clean seminole,
vhich is used for the production
>f pasta.
"The debranner removes 85 per
rent of the bran, resulting in a
ess contaminated product," says
:o-owner Doug Howson. Good
eminole for pasta has as few
pecks as possible, which is
reated by the bran. "Ours is
leaner and a brighter yellow.
The more milling required the
duller the colour."
When the first expansion
occurred last summer, Howson
and Howson boosted input to 10
tonnes of wheat per hour through
the mill. The most recent addition
of milling equipment and a new
cleaning house will allow that
number to jump by 50 per cent,
Doug says. The new machinery
will be up and running after an
August shutdown, when all the
pasta business," says Doug, "with
the longer shelf life of pasta, we
can shutdown for two weeks to
get the equipment in."
"The food business is a good
one to be in, if you have the right
product, and we believe we do,"
he says. "Pasta is a good, healthy
food."
Consumption has increased two
to three per cent in North
America in recent years, says
Doug, with wheat consumption
looking towards the future,
Howson and Howson is taking
advantage of their leadership in
utilizing the latest technology.
By being one of a select group
able to produce the high-quality
seminole, Doug says they hope to
establish a customer base before
larger mills make the change.
"We are at an advantage," he
says, "because of our customer
service and our employees."
They give Howson and Howson
the flexibility to provide quick,
efficient service, with a high
equipment will be installed.
"That is the advantage of the
up around the world.
With continuous and
screen
Through 15 years of computerization, Howson and
Howson is now in the midst up updating for the third time.
Anita Bromley keeps records on her computer.
Weighing in
Carolyn Somerville works in the recently renovated lab at
Howson and Howson, Blyth.
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Inspecting the results
Doug Howson of Howson and Howson, Blyth, checks the
product produced by the state of the art debranning
equipment, one of only three such machines in use in the
world.
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