GEA launches new meat processing machines
GEA DualSlicer
GEA has launched a new high performance system for improving the quality and yield of meat and poultry products, without interrupting the production process.
The MultiJector is an automated brine injection system, which will make it easier for food processors and result in a juicier and more flavourful final dish, especially for lean cuts of meat that tend to dry out during cooking.
The company’s latest model uses the maximum ‘time-in-meat’ technique which means the needles remain in the product longer during injection, resulting in better brine uptake and more even distribution, significantly increasing quality, efficiency and yield.
Designed for bacon and poultry processing, GEA’s new equipment provides an accurate, tight injection pattern, using 2mm Optiflex needles that combine strength (68% stronger than traditional stainless steel) with flexibility: they can flex and recover their shape to prevent bent or broken shards.
The stripper plate is adjustable so that the pressure on the meat can be varied – from a light touch to more robust pressure – maximising brine distribution in certain products.
The MultiJector is also a clean machine as it features surfaces that are easy to reach with horizontal faces inclined to prevent fluid build-up. Cleaning downtime is minimised due to a conveyor belt system for easy maintenance, whilst an ultra-hygienic frame design eliminates hidden or inaccessible cavities.
Coinciding with the launch of the MultiJector, GEA has also developed its high performance slicer, the GEA DualSlicer, with additional options and capabilities. The DualSlicer is targeted at the UK meat and poultry sectors, as well as being suitable for dairy products.
Developed for integration into fully automated lines, the GEA DualSlicer consecutively slices two calibrated logs such as round sausage, or two uncalibrated logs like cheese, cooked or raw ham. It delivers consistent slice quality and thicknesses – even with softer products – and for bulk bacon slicing it can achieve up to 2,500kg per hour. Automatic product loading from the rear is fast, reliable and protects the product.
Derek Paterson, GEA UK’s head of food processing & packaging sales, said: “The DualSlicer is a cut above the rest due to the innovative features that help minimise waste while improving product output. There are technical objectives for a sliced food producer: the perfect slice is defined by low give-away and a high percentage of on-weight portions, which translates into high yield. With a blade speed of up to 700 revolutions per minute, the slicer is equipped to meet those objectives and growing demands for higher speed, easy operation, reliability and ease of maintenance.
“Combine this with the MultiJector and food processors have a real ‘dream team’ that brings significant benefits in terms of product quality, output speed and overall yield to any bacon or poultry line. Individually, the machines are hugely impressive; together they’re unrivalled.”
