As demand grows, many facilities are constrained by physical limitations, where expanding capacity requires significant investments in new land, additional equipment, or even the construction of new warehouses. As a result, the industry is being reshaped by technological advancements, with automation and precision cutting tools, like industrial knives, becoming essential for keeping operations efficient and cost-effective.
Labour shortages and rising costs put pressure on production lines
Labour shortages – worsened by Brexit and post-pandemic disruptions, have created a major hurdle for poultry processing facilities across the UK. The British Poultry Council reports that factories are struggling to recruit skilled workers, causing bottlenecks in production and driving up costs in temporary staffing. Compounding this issue is the broader economic landscape, with inflation impacting feed, energy, and machinery prices. As a result, processing facilities are turning to automation and advanced equipment to alleviate labour dependency and maintain throughput.
Industrial knife advancements in automation
Automation isn’t just about replacing human labour, it’s about streamlining every part of the production line. Precision tools like automated deboning knives and skinning blades are crucial for maintaining consistency and speed. Modern industrial knives are built for durability, using advanced materials such as high-carbon steel with Titanium Nitride (TiN) or Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings, which reduce blade wear and downtime.
“Automation combined with precision tools has become the industry standard for efficient, high-quality poultry processing, finding a reliable supplier like MRMK is crucial for our company’s growth.” – Stock Co-Ordinator, Ireland’s largest dairy product exporter.
Reducing waste and boosting sustainability
Minimising waste is essential for maintaining profitability and meeting environmental standards, as even small inefficiencies can result in significant losses and increased disposal costs. Precision industrial blades offer clean, consistent cuts that reduce the risk of product damage and waste.
This efficiency also supports sustainability efforts by reducing material waste, lowering energy consumption, and decreasing the environmental footprint associated with excess waste processing. By ensuring precise cuts, precision industrial blades help to maximise usable product output and minimise the resources needed for reprocessing or disposal. As a result, facilities can operate more responsibly, aligning with global goals to reduce their carbon footprint.
Regrinding industrial knives is a great solution for prolonging blade life and optimising performance. By resharpening and reusing blades, production facilities can significantly cut costs and reduce waste, making knives suitable for regrinding an increasingly popular choice for poultry processing facilities focused on both efficiency and sustainability.
What does 2024-2025 bring to poultry processing?
As we move into 2024 and 2025, the poultry processing industry will see further technological advancements to meet growing demand and mitigate ongoing challenges. The global poultry market is expected to expand significantly, with a projected 121% increase in demand by 2050.
In the short term, facilities will continue to adopt more automated systems and precision tools, including AI-integrated industrial knives capable of real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. These systems are set to reduce the risk of unplanned downtime and optimise blade performance, ensuring smoother operations and consistent output.
Additionally, sustainability will remain a critical focus, with innovations like recycled steel knives and eco-friendly coatings gaining traction as part of the industry’s efforts to minimise environmental impact. Facilities investing in these technologies are likely to stay ahead of regulatory requirements and consumer expectations for greener production processes.
References:
- “British Poultry Industry Grapples with Labor Shortages,” British Poultry Council Report, 2023.
https://britishpoultry.org.uk/british-poultry-industry-needs-time-and-space-to-put-british-food-on-the-road-to-recovery/ - “Poultry Market Projections,” United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2022.
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/news/2021/08/on-going-labor-crisis-in-the-british-poultry-industry-could-lead-to-production-shortages
