check ’. Previously , Smithfield Murray ’ s foreign body inspection process was manual , with an initial check during trimming and a more thorough search further down the line . This was not only time-consuming but exposed the meat to several stages of manual handling .
Smithfield Murray knew there was a better way of doing things but they needed a solution that would fit the compact footprint at its Manchester site . “ While the overriding decision was based on machine capabilities and performance , space was a big issue ,” said David Hrubos , Operational Technical Manager .
The answer came via one of the company ’ s industry peers , which was already using the Ishida IX-G2 . Following a site visit , it was clear that Ishida offered the right combination of quality and design to suit Smithfield Murray ’ s set-up .
“ Our view is there ’ s no downside to sharing best practice in the industry . If it makes better product and improves standards for everybody , there ’ s a responsibility to look out for each other ,” confirmed David Hrubos .
This honest , friendly attitude to business is matched by Smithfield Murray ’ s commitment as a whole towards its employees . “ We ’ re a work family – and often , a literal one , too ,” said Damien Murray . “ We have plenty of husbands and wives , or fathers and sons , working together in the factory .
“ This has been particularly true since COVID-19 , when we stopped using agency staff and realised that morale , dedication , and quality improved because our permanent staff really take pride in what they do .
“ This has a bearing on the Ishida machines , because it ’ s important that anything we invest in is well maintained and cared for . David and Pawel led a very close-knit team running them , who take real ownership and responsibility for the X-ray machines . You might say the Ishida machines have become part of the family !”
The IX-G2 offers a cost effective , compact solution for poultry producers , who need high accuracy in detecting low-density bone , bone fragments and cartilage . To match the high speeds of poultry processing , the IX-G2 models used at Smithfield Murray are the dual lane variant , giving throughputs well in excess of 100 fillets per lane .
The first Ishida X-ray poultry solution was installed in March 2021 in the primary preparation area , where ( for example ) chicken is trimmed in readiness for use in children ’ s meals . This environment was ideal for training and calibration , with Ishida supporting Smithfield Murray to achieve the perfect balance for each application .
Once calibration was complete , the second IX-G2 formed part of a new “ Opti “ line , which was configured with the anticipation of an X-ray machine being included . Therefore , installation had to be plug-and-play , a swift and efficient process that took place in June 2021 .
Prior to installation , Ishida explained best practice for positioning chicken products as they enter the IX-G2 . Smithfield Murray ’ s engineering team created a unique and practical solution by adding prominent markers onto the conveyor so that employees know exactly where to place the poultry .
Since installation , both X-ray inspection systems have been running daily and their advantages continue to reveal themselves .
“ Most importantly , it ’ s about quality of product and a key part is improving food safety . By adding the IX-G2s to our operation , we can deliver 300 % inspection – trim , machine check , visual recheck – and our customers are delighted ,” confirmed Pawel Charazmusiewicz .
“ X-ray inspection means less manual handling , quicker feed and improved productivity . The team has quickly adapted to using the machines and we ’ re added training in X-ray technology as part of our standard induction ,” added David Hrubos .
For Damien Murray , the investment has been money well spent . “ I wouldn ’ t hesitate to recommend Ishida to other companies in our sector . The value their X-ray machines are adding to our operation has been significant , and they ’ ve been a joy to work with .”
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