Ridley Block Operations (RBO), a division of Ridley Inc., an Alltech company, recently expanded its livestock feed supplement low-moisture block manufacturing. Low-moisture block manufacturing, in addition to RBO's existing blocks, tubs and mineral supplements, will now be available out of Flemingsburg, Ky., according to the announcement.

"The new Flemingsburg facility will help reduce freight costs for RBO customers and improve RBO's ability to respond more quickly to customer demands for low-moisture blocks in the eastern U.S. and Canada," RBO president Mark Nelson said. "These customers are currently served by RBO facilities located in Minnesota, South Dakota and Texas. The additional production capacity at Flemingsburg will enable RBO to maintain consistent service levels during changing market conditions, such as the recent drought. It will also allow RBO to accommodate exceptional customer demands without interrupting normal delivery schedules."

Customers can now source a broader selection of RBO feed supplement products from a single location and redeem the benefits of full truckload orders, the announcement said. RBO is unique among manufacturers of livestock feed supplements as the company supplies a full range of self-fed supplement products, including compressed blocks, composite blocks, pressed blocks, poured tubs, dried molasses and bagged loose minerals.

The batch production technology at the new facility will be comparable to the systems at other RBO facilities. The batch low-moisture block process is a key part of Ridley's LEAN manufacturing principles, which standardize consistent production practices that minimize waste, the announcement said. By constructing the new facility adjacent to the existing Flemingsburg facility, RBO said it hopes to strengthen efficiencies in ingredient handling and storage, base-mix blending, manufacturing personnel, office support and customer service staff.

RBO is the maker of several national brand leaders in self-fed livestock supplements, including CRYSTALYX. Alltech is a global animal health company dedicated to the health and performance of people, animals and plants through natural nutrition and scientific innovation.