MILK-PLANT OPERATION. 
11 
filled per man-hour. The variations in the number of bottles filled 
per man-hour plainly indicate differences in efficiency of operation at 
the various plants using similar equipment. There are several factors 
causing these variations, among which are : 
The layout of the rooms and the arrangement of the equipment. 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, without 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 efficiency of the labor 
itself. 
All figures given as to number of bottles filled per hour, man-hour, 
and machine-hour are taken from actual conditions. They do not 
represent ideal conditions and do not show what 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 shown the number of bottles filled and capped per 
man-hour at 81 plants using the various methods and filling less than 
10,000 bottles daily. Only one machine was used at each plant. 
