Vertical plate freezing unlocks new opportunities for meat processors
As the pet food market continues to grow, meat processors are increasingly looking to transform previously under-utilised byproducts such as offal, blood, and mechanically deboned meat (MDM) into valuable ingredients.
Major pet food manufacturers increasingly demand frozen meat products supplied as naked blocks. MHM Automation, through its partnership with global freezing technology leader DSI Dantech, is now offering vertical plate freezers throughout Oceania to meet this growing requirement.
Tony Johnson, General Manager - Sales and Marketing at MHM Automation, highlights the significant opportunity this presents for local meat processors.
“This technology enables processors to leverage the growing demand for pet food ingredients, turning byproducts once seen as waste into profitable, valuable inputs,” Johnson says.
Pet food processors favour naked block freezing for its efficiency in automated grinding and mixing processes, streamlined storage and logistics, and reduced packaging waste.
“DSI Dantech’s vertical plate freezers are ideal for consistently and efficiently producing these frozen blocks, exactly as pet food manufacturers require,” Johnson explains.
Vertical plate freezers are also widely adopted in seafood processing, both onshore and offshore, particularly for crustaceans and other bulk seafood products.
“The unmatched speed and energy efficiency offered by double-contact vertical plate freezing typically achieves complete freezing in just 3–4 hours. Rapid freezing significantly preserves seafood’s freshness, flavour, texture, and nutritional quality by minimising enzymatic activity and shrinkage,” Johnson says.
He also notes the affordability and strong return on investment offered by vertical plate freezers.
Johnson adds that the decision to partner with DSI Dantech was driven by the exceptional quality and precision engineering of their freezing systems.
“Visiting their manufacturing site in Denmark reinforced our confidence in the meticulous quality and precision engineering of their equipment — qualities we know our customers value,” he explains.
The versatility of the DSI Dantech range ensures a suitable vertical plate freezer solution for every operation, whether onshore or offshore.
“Most vertical plate freezers globally are unloaded using overhead cranes. However, DSI Dantech also offers a model featuring automated unloading onto a conveyor beneath the freezer, providing a space-efficient and simpler solution that we anticipate will appeal strongly to meat processors in our region,” Johnson explains.
Implementing naked block freezing typically requires establishing a comprehensive process — from initial product preparation and transfer into the freezer, to subsequent handling and palletising post-freezing.
With extensive expertise in materials handling and process automation, MHM Automation is uniquely positioned to assist processors in integrating these freezers into their existing operations.
“From raw product transfer to automated freezing, conveying, palletising and handling, we can deliver a fully integrated solution, optimising both operational efficiency and workplace safety,” Johnson concludes.
For further information, visit https://mhmautomation.com/product/vertical-plate-freezers.
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