GRANDVILLE — Now’s the time to grab a last handful of candy corn. Meijer Inc. plans to phase bulk-food bins out of its stores.
The Walker-based grocer aims to open a food-manufacturing plant next year in Grandville. The former Peters Imports Inc. building, 3040 Remico St. SW, also will house packaging operations as the chain converts its $30 million annual bulk-candy business away from bins.
The move should improve food safety and reduce an estimated 10 percent “shrink,” or loss, on bulk-food items, said Terry Shamblin, Meijer’s director of manufacturing.
“Most of our competitors have moved to some sort of packaging (for bulk foods),” he said. “(A bulk-food bin) is not very food safe. You’ve got kids reaching in. And, like it or not, some customers see that as a free sample.
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