Essential Material Handling Equipment for Different Stages of the Meat Processing Process
Guest blog from MHI Member Company New Age Industrial
Meat processing is a complex and precise operation requiring specialized equipment to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality. Equipment manufacturers like New Age Industrial design and build equipment to meet the rigorous demands meat processors. Here’s a look at essential equipment for various stages of the meat processing process.
1. Receiving and Initial Processing
Receiving Carts: Durable receiving carts are essential for transporting raw meat from delivery trucks to the processing area. These carts must be designed to handle heavy loads and be easy to clean, ensuring hygiene and efficiency. Materials can range from stainless steel, plastic, or aluminum. The material must be durable enough not to break or chip into product and be resistant to rust or corrosion.
Polytop Tables: Cutting boards and tables are made from corrosion resistant materials and polyethylene surfaces, offering a durable and sanitary solution for cutting and deboning meat. Polytop Tables are at the center of all meat processing facilities.
2. Grinding and Mixing
Modular Equipment Stands: are perfect for supporting meat grinders and other heavy equipment. These tables are built to endure the vibrations and weight of grinding machines, providing a stable work surface.
Mixing Carts: For mixing ground meat with spices and other ingredients, mixing carts offer a hygienic and efficient solution. These carts are easy to maneuver and clean, making the mixing process seamless.
Lug Tub Carts, Bulk Carts, and Mega Movers are ideal for carting loose product like ground beef and trimmings in differing quantities. Lug Tubs are for smaller capacities but the dollies can cart from one tub to 12. Bulk Tubs and Mega Tubs range from 16.5 gallon to 170 gallon capacities.
3. Packaging
Freezer Racks and Shelving: Once packaged, meat products need to be stored properly. Storage racks are ideal for organizing, mobilizing, freezing, and storing packaged meat.
Platter Racks are perfect for transporting the wrapped final product from the butchers’ table to the display cases. Choose between angled runners that hold the trays by the edges and racks that support platters by their base to fit your exact needs.
Pallets are best used in a closed loop system where the pallet doesn’t leave the control of the organization. Open Channel Pallets have no enclosed spaces where bacteria can multiply. Aluminum in naturally fireproof, UV resistant, 100% metal detectable, and will outlast a plastic pallet by 10 to 1.
4. Ergonomics
Ergo Stands were developed to solve the disparity in heights of factory workers. Each worker chooses the ergo stand that fits them best to work on the line at an ergonomic level. Ergo stands fit in a locker, feature an aggressive punched tread, and is easily sanitized. Heights range from 1-inch to 8 inches.
Conclusion
Choosing the right equipment is vital for the efficiency and safety of your meat processing operations. Reputable manufacturers like New Age Industrial strive to produce the most reliable equipment designed to fit your exact needs.
