septembre 03, 2025
Modernization of a Food Plant in Connecticut, USA: How Ragozzino Increased Its Production Capacity with Storcan?
Situation and Challenge
To support its rapid growth and fulfill major new contracts, Ragozzino, a family-owned company specializing in frozen ready meals for over three generations, undertook a progressive modernization of its production equipment. Since late 2022, Storcan has been collaborating with this client to design, manufacture, and integrate customized conveyor and freezing solutions, with a strong focus on performance, energy efficiency, and food safety.
Faced with rising demand, Ragozzino aimed to optimize its prepared meal production line, particularly its lasagna lines, while managing strict space constraints.
Storcan Solutions
Phase 1: A Retractable Conveyor and a Custom Freezing Spiral
Storcan engineered a tailor-made retractable conveyor system to feed a next-generation freezing spiral, delivered with external evaporators, an insulation cabinet, and an automatic belt cleaning system. This type of spiral allows large volumes of product to be processed in a limited floor space, ensuring efficient and consistent freezing. High-efficiency fans reduce energy consumption.
Phase 2: A High-Performance and Eco-Friendly CO₂ Refrigeration System
At the beginning of 2023, Storcan proposed and integrated an innovative high-performance refrigeration solution through its partner ZeroC. The concept, based on high-efficiency pump circulation using CO₂ transcritical and subcritical compressors as a natural refrigerant, minimizes thermal losses and on-site interventions. This sustainable solution combines energy performance with compliance to environmental standards.
Phase 3: Optimized Infeed and Outfeed Conveyors
Satisfied with the solutions provided so far, in June 2023 Ragozzino entrusted us with manufacturing new micro-pitch (Mattop type) infeed and outfeed conveyors to ensure smooth product transfer. These conveyors were custom-built and installed in synergy with their internal teams.
To solve a product deformation issue at the spiral entry—caused by the fragility of fresh lasagna dough—our teams designed a special conveyor that gently deposits the product inside the spiral, preventing deformation of the lasagna belt.
Phase 4: Ensuring Food Safety with a Metal Detection System
To further enhance product safety, the client chose a Sesotec metal detector integrated into a custom-designed reject conveyor by Storcan. Installed at the spiral exit, this system automatically removes non-compliant products while maintaining a high production flow. It enables the client to improve line safety, ensure product compliance, and protect its brand reputation in a competitive market.
Additional Project on a Related Line: Lasagna Tray Aligner before Boxing
Before our intervention, products exited the freezing spiral in bulk. To feed them into the case former and sealer, the client needed them aligned. Storcan designed and built an aligner featuring a wide discharge zone with multiple belts and a side guide for orientation, followed by a narrower conveyor forcing products into single file. A short acceleration zone then created spacing between products, ensuring proper feeding of the downstream case forming and sealing equipment. This system preserves product integrity, avoids collisions, and maintains a high production rate.
Next Steps: A Long-Term Partnership
Over the years, Storcan has also proposed targeted improvements on other parts of the line. This partnership continues with several projects under discussion to support Ragozzino’s ongoing growth and optimize profit margins.
Results
- Increased production capacity on modernized lines
- Reduced downtime thanks to automation and equipment efficiency
- Improved food safety with in-line detection and rapid freezing
- High customer satisfaction: a partnership built on trust and performance
Do you have a food production line modernization project in Canada or the USA?
Storcan supports you at every stage: audit, design, manufacturing, installation, programming, and maintenance. Contact our team to learn how we can help you reach your productivity, quality, and profitability goals.