Automatic meat portioner meets demand changes

Related tags Meat

Continuing increases in demand, along with the need to remain competitive, led Birtwistle Catering Butchers to switch from hand-cutting to automatic meat portioning using Marel's I-Cut 36 Portioner.

Birtwistle's operations director Glenn Eastwood says: "Before the I-Cut arrived on the scene we had seven employees cutting the meat by hand, but now just two operate the machine. And not only has the installation of the machine meant a release of manpower to be used elsewhere, we have also been able to increase the volume of processed products.

"The machine's ability and flexibility makes it perfect for our operation. Our orders can quickly change and the I-Cut makes it is easy for us to quickly modify production plans, thanks to its easy programming. Furthermore, the I-Cut is capable of cutting not just beef steaks, but most of our products like pork belly, pork neck or gammon."

Eastwood said the machine's flexibility has help Birtwistle to respond to changes in orders. The firm's first operator was quickly trained to use the machine.

Contact: Marel