JBT Marel introduces integrated end-to-end meat portioning lines

USA – JBT Marel has launched a fully integrated meat portioning line that connects all stages of meat processing, from crust freezing through to final case packing, within a single system.

The company said the expanded portfolio is designed to provide processors with complete production-line solutions that can be configured to product type, capacity needs, and factory layout requirements.

The approach is intended to help meat processors improve resource efficiency, increase automation levels, and maintain consistent product quality while addressing labour shortages across the industry.

According to JBT Marel, the integrated system is built around production goals that focus on maximising yield from raw materials, maintaining uniformity, and reducing manual intervention during processing.

The production flow begins with crust freezing using Frigoscandia ADVANTEC impingement freezers, which are designed to stabilise raw meat before cutting and improve throughput compared with cryogenic alternatives.

Portioning follows, with the company offering volumetric and anatomic cutting systems for beef and pork that deliver precise weight and shape control tailored to different product requirements.

The process is then supported by check-weighing systems such as the M-Weigher, which monitor product weight and provide feedback to upstream equipment to reduce giveaway and improve accuracy.

Automation continues into packaging, where robotic systems, including RoboBatcher Flex and RoboPacker, are used for tray styling and packing to reduce manual labour while maintaining consistent product presentation.

Tray sealing systems under the Proseal brand are used to maintain product freshness and seal integrity for processed meat products such as steaks and marinated cuts.

Weigh price labelling systems are then applied to ensure high-speed, accurate labelling across different pack formats, capable of handling up to 160 packs per minute.

Case packing is completed using automated robotics that efficiently transfer finished products into cases while supporting multiple packaging formats and enabling fast changeovers.

The company stated that the entire system is managed through integrated software and supported by service infrastructure intended to optimise performance across the full production cycle.

JBT Marel added that the end-to-end approach is designed to enable processors to work with a single supplier that covers equipment, integration, and technical support from initial design through to full-scale operation.

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