Westman Islands company Ísfélagið is taking the next step towards efficiency and profitability at its whitefish processing facility with an investment in Marel’s RoboBatcher Box to boost packing capacity and simplify operations.
Back in 1983, Ísfélagið (then Hraðfrystistöðin) recognised the groundbreaking technological innovation of Marel scales and became one of the company’s first customers. Those early scales remained in use at Ísfélagið for decades. It’s only a few weeks ago that Ísfélagið retired Marel scale – serial number 41. Scale 41 began its work life in saltfish processing, ending its career as a final inspection scale for packed pelagic products.
There has been a long relationship ever since between the two companies, leading to the installation of the new Robobatcher Box at Ísfélagið’s facility to pack back fillets and loins into 3 or 5 kg boxes.
This fully automates the dispatch process, ensuring that once a box reaches target weight and piece count it is immediately conveyed out of the robot and automatically replaced by another. The two-lane packing line is equipped with a transfer system, checkweighers, and labellers, providing a fully automated dispatch system that minimizes manual contact, optimizes throughput and dramatically reduces giveaway.
The RoboBatcher Box is the latest addition to Ísfélagið’s refurbishment project. With a focus on increasing automation, the project lowers the need for manual labour while maximising yield and product quality, ensuring Ísfélagið is ready for the future.
‘We are extremely proud to further strengthen the relationship between Marel and Ísfélagið,’ said Sindri Magnason at Marel. ‘Ísfélagið has trusted us as a partner for years, and we are excited to support their continued growth.’
Ísfélagið’s whitefish processing line has undergone significant technological upgrades as they move towards an automated and efficient future.
‘If Marel continues to develop solutions that improve production line profitability, we’ll continue to choose Marel,’ said Ísfélagið production manager Björn Brimar Hákonarsson.
