Ingham’s is adding automation to three of its primary poultry processing facilities during the 2024 fiscal year.
New process for leg deboning
The company announced that it will be installing Ultimate Leg Deboners at its plants Bolivar, Murarrie and Somerville, all in Australia.
“This new equipment more efficiently debones legs to make thighs, drumsticks and fillets using an internal x-ray which adjusts to different sizes ensuring higher production and reducing the labor needed to process the product,” the company stated in a press release.
The automation will replace the current manual handling method, which the company said will support its safety objectives and drive efficiencies to meet demand for Ingham’s chicken products.
Direct stream injection to be installed
New direct stream injection (DSI) waterjet cutters are also being installed at Ingham’s Bolivar and Murarrie primary processing facilities in FY24 to FY25.
The new DSIs are expected to improve the rate at which Ingham’s can produce fresh and value-enhanced chicken products – such as shaped and sliced chicken breast for schnitzels and stir fries – for its quick service restaurant and retail customers.
The company says these boosts to automation will help to meet the shift in consumer demand for Dinner Done and tray pack options.
Ingham’s, according to information from the WATTPoultry.com Top Companies Database, is the largest poultry producer of Oceania, with operations in Australia and New Zealand. During the past year, the company slaughtered 230 million broilers. The company is involved in both the broiler and turkey industries.
