JBT Marel unveils full-line poultry processing solutions to drive smarter automation
New equipment range aims to improve efficiency and reduce labour dependency in poultry plants
USA – JBT Marel has introduced a full suite of automated poultry processing solutions designed to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency across production lines while reducing reliance on manual labour.
The lineup includes SingleFeed, SensorX Poultry, RoboPacker, and WPL9000+, each targeting specific stages in the poultry processing chain from singulation to labelling.
As global poultry demand rises and producers face pressure to maintain product quality and meet food safety standards, automation continues to play a central role in factory upgrades.
JBT Marel’s SingleFeed system automates the singulation process for bulk-supplied poultry meat, using vacuum technology to handle wet or chilled products such as nuggets and tenders.
The unit can supply dual or triple-lane graders and inspection systems, replacing several manual operations while maintaining a compact footprint and requiring minimal maintenance.
According to the company, SingleFeed offers processors flexibility for different product types and line configurations, enabling faster processing with lower operational costs.
In quality control, the SensorX Poultry unit applies X-ray technology to detect bone fragments and other foreign materials such as metal, stone, or glass in poultry products.
The system’s software is designed to minimise false positives and link to JBT Marel’s monitoring platform, which provides real-time dashboards on throughput, bone-detection rates, and infeed quality.
By analysing historical data, processors can identify performance trends and adjust processes to maintain consistent product standards.
Meanwhile, the RoboPacker automates tray packing, one of the most labour-intensive stages in poultry processing.
Using a vision unit that estimates weight through volumetric analysis, the machine places products in trays according to pre-set styling patterns such as fishbone or yin-yang.
It can handle up to 180 pieces and 80 trays per minute and supports quick changeovers to accommodate products such as fillets, drumsticks, or tenders.
At the packaging stage, the WPL9000+ automatic weigh-price labeler handles up to 160 packs per minute and applies self-adhesive printed labels on a range of surfaces.
Optional features include contact applicators for uneven packaging, reject systems, and metal detection modules, while the machine can manage boxes or pallets through its totalising function.
With these integrated systems, JBT Marel aims to help processors address labour shortages, enhance product traceability, and maintain food safety in high-volume poultry production environments.
The company says the combination of automation and data-driven performance tracking provides processors with a more consistent and controlled approach to modern poultry processing.
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