IFFA 2016 Trend topic: smoking plant automation

The current trend is towards multi-functional systems with intelligent, programmable controls, programme selection memory functions and continuous capture of process data.

Modern smoking and maturing systems need to supply large quantities of consistently high-quality products on a cost and energy-efficient basis. Other requirements include least possible weight loss, short process times, low maintenance costs and minimal labour use.

There is also a requirement for automatic cleaning, the ability to choose between different heating types, climate packages for optimum aging/maturing and much more. These requirements can only be met if the systems are almost entirely automated – from the loading and smoking processes to the automatic cleaning of the systems, components, machines and flue gas.

The leading smoking plant manufacturers will be exhibiting at the IFFA in halls 8.0, 9.0 and 9.1. The companies exhibiting include, for example, Bastra Bayha & Strackbein, Fessmann, Kerres, Red Arrow, Reich Thermoprozesstechnik, Schröter Technologie, Sorgo Anlagenbau and Vemag Anlagenbau.

Klaus Schröter, managing director of Schröter Technologie and Chairman of the VDMA’s Meat Processing Machinery Technology Group has high expectations of the IFFA: “For many years the global meat industry has shown dynamic growth. The markets are characterised by high demands for safety and hygiene, production efficiency, a wide range of different products and types of packaging in addition to many other individual factors. As the world-wide market develops, it needs a strong, internationally recognised platform like the IFFA to provide a comprehensive overview, pick up on trends and demonstrate solutions. These are the challenges that all the companies at the IFFA have set themselves and every one of them has something very special to offer.”