Pet Food Processing - January 2025 - 50

EQUIPMENT
APEC offers
various automatedenhanced
equipment,
like
this custom microingredient
scale
with integrated
automation
controls.
APEC
wide range of equipment complete with automation,
including micro-ingredient scales, mistcoating and
batch control systems, mixers and more. For example,
APEC's Automation Pro automatically controls the
proper measurement of each ingredient in a pet food
formula into a scale.
As an engineering, architecture and construction company
that designs and builds various infrastructure, including
pet food facilities, Burns & McDonnell, Kansas City,
Mo., has had a hand in helping implement various automation
and robotics systems. The company takes a comprehensive
approach, providing recommendations as to where
automation would best fit each unique operation.
The flexibility of these systems is just one of their various
benefits. One of the main advantages of automation
and robotics equipment is streamlining production,
boosting efficiency and product quality.
" Automated scanning, product tracking, check weighing,
etc. are some of the solutions that helps reduce expensive
human errors which could lead to quality and food
safety issues; this will prevent future food recall issues, for
example, and damage to brand reputation, which once
done is hard to rectify, " Ravichandraan explained.
Regarding labor, concerns are mounting about
automation and robotics replacing the human workforce.
But, according to Ravichandraan, automation
isn't about taking away jobs, it's about enhancing employee
safety.
" Robotic solutions in pet food processing will aid
the human labor to focus on high-skilled, highly ergonomic
floor operations and safe working conditions, "
he explained. " Having robotic and automated solutions
both in the processing side of the plant and primary to
tertiary packaging side of the plant will quickly increase
product throughput and line efficiency. "
Alongside protecting employees from hazardous enIn
the evolving world of
Implementing
automation into
more labor-intensive
processors, like
palletizing, can easily
boost output and
provide quicker ROI.
Bosch Rexroth
" Robots can operate 24/7 without breaks, providing
continuous production, " said Alfredo Valadez, automation
consultant and project manager at Burns & McDonnell.
" Their precision and consistency eliminate errors caused by
fatigue or variability, maintaining a uniform output.
" Tasks like palletizing heavy bags become faster
and more efficient when automated, boosting overall
throughput and reducing downtime, " he added.
" Additionally, automated processing allows real-time
monitoring and adjustments to optimize the product
output, increasing efficiency, productivity and quality. "
Additionally, these types of equipment can help processors
enhance their food safety and quality efforts. No
matter how stringent a processor's food safety standards
are, human employees can easily make a mistake, leading
to costly consequences.
50 PET FOOD PROCESSING | Jan-Feb 2025 | www.petfoodprocessing.net
pet food processing,
automation and robotics
are game changers for
the industry. "
Keith Wilcox, APEC
vironments and reducing safety risks, these systems can
also provide human workers with more valuable opportunities,
according to Valadez.
" Automation allows employees to focus on high-value
tasks rather than repetitive manual labor, improving
employee retention by eliminating tasks prone to high
turnover and allowing businesses to operate despite labor
shortages, " he explained.
Wilcox echoed this sentiment, adding, " With automation
implemented, it allows skilled workers to focus on
more complex and creative tasks by taking over routine
operations... understanding how automation can alleviate
labor issues is more critical than ever to evolve. "
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Pet Food Processing - January 2025

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