
The meat industry is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to the advent of automated process control, as exemplified by Pineland Farms Natural Meats’ cutting and processing plant in New Gloucester, Maine. Opened in March 2020, the plant has evolved from offering primarily entry-level positions to creating more advanced, technology-driven roles. At Pineland, the introduction of new technology has shifted the focus from mundane, repetitive tasks to operating sophisticated machinery like robots and automated lines. A notable addition is the case pick and pack system, which automates the process of placing packed products into boxes. This advancement has not only streamlined operations but also provided employees with opportunities for upskilling. Chris Williams, Senior Vice President of Operations and Business Management at Pineland, highlights the positive impact of this shift. “Initially, we had a lot of entry-level work, but now, those employees have progressed to higher-paying, more skilled positions involving advanced technology,” he says. The implementation of this equipment has resulted in the creation of over 30 well-paying manufacturing jobs. This trend towards automation is part of a broader industry effort to incorporate automated systems and sensors throughout the production process. The goal is to make necessary modifications to ensure the production of high-quality products. The benefits of this approach are manifold, including extended running time, increased throughput yield, and enhanced food safety. Michael Lee, Group Manager of Science and Innovation at Meat & Livestock Australia, observes that this shift marks a departure from the traditional U.S. focus on manual labour for yield. It aligns more closely with practices in countries like Australia, where yield is achieved through robotics. However, the advantages of high-tech process control extend beyond yield. The use of analytics for real-time decision-making is becoming increasingly widespread and impactful. When data is effectively captured, collected, and analysed, it enables the automatic introduction of process controls. Lee explains that algorithms can be used for various purposes, from predicting soil quality for animal feed crops to determining the optimal points for meat cuts to maximise yield. Lee emphasises that embracing a data-rich culture in the industry will not only boost productivity but also open avenues for waste upcycling and provide evidence to support branding claims related to animal welfare, meat quality, food safety, and overall sustainability.