BAADER Blog

The COVID-19 pandemic left a profound and lasting impact on labour shortages within the poultry processing industry. Even as the pandemic subsides, the repercussions persist. During the height of the pandemic, many workers exited the industry and have not returned. Today, processing plants find themselves in fierce competition with other sectors to secure the manual labour they rely on. This labour scarcity presents a barrier to the growth of businesses within the poultry processing sector.

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the size and weight of broilers to improve overall processing efficiency. This translates into the ability to produce more chicken meat per hour, particularly when dealing with larger animals. However, these advancements come with their own set of processing challenges directly related to the accelerated growth rate.

Traditionally, breast filleting has been carried out manually on labour-intensive cone lines, a practice that persists to this day. However, there is a growing trend toward automating this process, and it’s not without reason. Firstly, manual filleting relies heavily on skilled workers who must ensure both high yield and quality. Unfortunately, even with skilled workers, human factors can introduce inconsistencies throughout the working day. Fatigue and lapses in concentration are unavoidable. Moreover, as production line speeds increase, manual cone lines occupy considerable space. As a result, the global poultry industry has witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of automatic deboning lines, encompassing both semi-automatic and fully automatic systems. However, when going from manual to automatic deboning, several factors must be considered.

The drive behind this statement from Eskil Laukvik, COO SinkabergHansen, was the starting point for a significant increase in factory capacity.

In a world where digitalisation is the key catalyst for industry evolution, we at BAADER have taken a strategic leap towards digital transformation in the food processing sector. The company has secured a majority stake in EMYDEX Technology, a move that not only amplifies the digital expertise of BAADER but also fuels EMYDEX's expansion and market penetration.

In a world where carbon footprint is a constant challenge and alarming difficulties in access to electrical energy are affecting our customers, we in BAADER are proud to contribute to solutions to the challenges. In an Icelandic part of the BAADER organisation called SKAGINN 3X we are building Plate Freezers that are by far more energy efficient than the traditional Blast Freezers.

In a recent Factory Acceptance test (FAT test), equipment developed by BAADER and SKAGINN 3X for salmon processing at MOWI in Norway has proven to meet the highest standards set by the renowned seafood company MOWI. It was employees of BAADER, SKAGINN 3X and MOWI who tested the equipment in Akranes.

As the global population continues to grow, the demand for protein sources, such as poultry meat, becomes increasingly vital. Poultry is a significant protein choice that is widely accepted worldwide, transcending cultural and religious boundaries. However, ensuring food safety is of paramount importance. It is essential to guarantee that poultry products are safe to consume and free from harmful pathogens and contaminants. Poultry processors bear a crucial responsibility in upholding food safety standards throughout the entire production chain, from the farm to the consumer's plate.

In the poultry processing industry, quality rubber fingers play a crucial role in the picking process. As the carcasses move along the line, the rotating movement of the rubber fingers effectively removes the feathers. However, it is essential to recognize the significance of maintaining and using high-quality rubber fingers to ensure optimal performance and hygiene standards.