Automated update for Norwegian processor

ICELANDIC seafood processing equipment company Valka is to supply fully automated fillet processing lines to Båtsfjordbruket, a subsidiary of the Nordic seafood group Insula.

The contract, worth about four million euros, includes two complete systems for trimming, cutting, distribution and packing of fillets and portions.

Norwegian processor Båtsfjordbruket was established in 1981 and has a tradition as a conventional fish purchasing station and fillet factory.

With the new highly automated processing lines, the company will be able to produce a complicated mix of products, fresh and frozen, more efficiently.

Frank Kristiansen, CEO of Båtfjordbruket, said: ‘The new Valka production lines will allow us to strategically improve our capabilities and serve our customers in the best possible way.

‘Furthermore, it will greatly improve our competitiveness in an ever more demanding market.’

Valka introduced a breakthrough in fish processing in 2011, with the fully automated pin-bone and portion cutting line, using X-ray technology for locating fish bones and water jet robots to accurately portion the fillet.

Kristjan Kristjansson, general director of Valka, said: ‘We are honoured to be part of this ambitious project and in helping Båtsfjordbruket achieve their goals.

‘In 2015, we installed a comprehensive, fully automated whole fish grading system at the plant, and this is a logical next step into the future for them.’ Above: Frank Kristiansen