MILK-PLANT OPERATTOF. 



11 



filled per man-liour. The variations in the number of bottles filled 

 per man-hour plainly indicate differences in efficiency of operation at 

 the various plants using similar ecjuipment. There are several factors 

 causing these variations, among which are : 



The layout of the rooms and the arrangement of the eqmpment. This is the most 

 important factor. Many plants were not conveniently arranged for handling the 

 work; hence, extra time and men were required. 



In some plants more men were used on the work than could be used economically, 

 while in others too few men were employed to do the work to best advantage. 



In the case of some types of machine a difference in capacity, \^athout doubt, 

 accounted for some of the variations, especially that under method No. 4. 



Other factors were: Breakdown of machinery, broken bottles, cooler out of order, 

 and waiting for milk. In this connection it is important that the capacity of the 

 clarifier, pasteurizer, and cooler be similar to that of the bottle-filling apparatus, so 

 that both can be operated at a uniform rate and at full capacity. 



Fig. 8.— Interior view of modern milk plant, showing pasteurizers, coolers, and bottling machinery. 



Among the causes of variation in the number of bottles filled per 

 machine-hour are: Layout and arrangement of the machinery as to 

 economy and rapidity of operation, difference in capacity of the 

 machines in some cases, and difference in the efhciency of the labor 

 itself. 



All figures given as to nuijibcr of bottles filled ]^er hour, man-hour, 

 and machine-liour are taken from actual conditions. They do not 

 represent ideal conditions and do not showwhat the different machines 

 can do when operated at maximum capacity under ideal conditions. 



COMPARISON OF LABOR COSTS IN FILLING AND CAPPING BY VARIOUS METHODS. 



In Table 3 is sliown the numl)er of bottles filled and capped per 

 man-hour at 81 phints using the various methods and filhn^ less than 

 10,000 bottles daily. Only one machine was used at each plant. 



