AUSPACK 2017 Processing Day to showcase meat processing technology

AUSPACK 2017 will feature an inaugural Processing Day, including a dedicated processing sector forum showcasing the latest developments in meat processing technologies, such as advanced sensing.

Anne-Marie Mina, event executive with Exhibition and Trade Fairs (ETF), the organiser of AUSPACK, said presentations from two key bodies will headline the free sessions, to be held on Wednesday, 8 March from noon to 4 pm. Up to 150 attendees from 60 companies are expected to hear presentations from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC).

MLA’s Christian Ruberg and Darryl Heidke, R&D program managers, supply chain technology, will present on how technology, data and collaboration are an integral part of the future red meat value chain. Their session will outline how the latest automation systems integrated with advanced sensing are leading to impressive productivity increases for the Australian red meat industry. For example, advanced sensing — initially proposed to drive robotic cutting — is leading to highly accurate information on every carcass, allowing processors to optimise their boning rooms and market allocation of product. The MLA session will also outline how technology providers can access Commonwealth research funds to leverage and fast-track their meat industry innovations through MLA’s subsidiary MLA Donor Company.

AMPC is the Rural Research and Development Corporation supporting Australia’s red meat processing industry, improving sector sustainability and efficiency. Chairman Peter Noble will discuss the critical role of adopting new technologies, developing new products and product differentiation in reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies without compromising workforce safety or product integrity.

Mina said many exhibitors will be showcasing processing solutions at AUSPACK, including Heat and Control, Viking Food Solutions, JL Lennard, Scott Automation & Robotics, Foodmach, Walls Machinery, Aurora Process Solutions and Active Magnetics Research.

“Machine operators work at high speed in meat processing, so cutting accuracy and safety are two important factors. Scott Automation & Robotics, on Stand 250, has made some significant advances in improving both efficiency and safety in Australian meat factories. We’ve put together a video that shows that,” she said.

Processing Day agenda:

12–12.45 pm: MLA keynote presentation: The Future in Automation and Objective Measurement in Optimised Meat Value Chains

12.45–1.30 pm: AMPC keynote presentation: The Importance of R&D in the Red Meat Processing Industry

1.30–2.15 pm: Lunch and networking

2.15–3 pm: 1-on-1 meetings between processors and machinery suppliers (organised by AUSPACK Client Engagement Manager Luke Kasprzak)

3–4 pm: Exhibition floor tour, highlighting processing machinery and solution exhibitors

For more information about AUSPACK 2017, visit www.auspack.com.au.