Reinforcing a long-standing relationship that spans some 20 years, Joseph Robertson has recently installed two further CW3 combination checkweigher and metal detection units and a standalone IQ3 metal detector from Loma Systems.
This high performance equipment, which complements three existing CW3 machines, provides extra inspection capacity in line with growth and also replaces outdated models at the state-of-the-art seafood manufacturing plant in Aberdeen.
Installed on three separate packing lines, the new Loma CW3 combination checkweigher and metal detection units and IQ3 metal detector are inspecting a wide range of Joseph Robertson seafood products, including frozen and chilled coated fillets and fishcakes, for contaminants at speeds up to 80 packs per minute.
Founded in 1892, Joseph Robertson proudly boasts a fourth generation of family ownership totally committed to the ideals of supplying the very best value and quality sea to plate produce. Located in the heart of the Aberdeen fishing community, Joseph Robertson has one of the most modern Sea fish manufacturing sites in the UK utilising the very latest technology to provide consistently high quality seafood.
Established as Joseph Robertson's preferred supplier of inspection equipment, Loma's reliable and robust systems are designed to cope with the rigours of a fish processing facility. Loma also offers the benefit of a dedicated Scotland-based service and support team who can be on site within hours.
Simon Robertson, Director at Joseph Robertson comments: "We have used Loma equipment on and off for over 20 years, mainly due to its functionality, reliability and ease of use. Built with heavy-duty conveyor components and high quality electronics, the CW3 combination unit in particular is ideal for tough production environments like ours.
He continues: "As well as providing high performance inspection systems that offer low cost of ownership and good management of process KPI's, Loma's industry knowledge helps ensure we keep up to date with increasingly stringent legislative requirements."
Explaining the specific inspection demands of the Joseph Robertson operation, Loma's Alex Learmonth says: "The preparation of seafood involves processes such as trimming, boning, gutting, skinning and filleting. A quality control system such as the CW3 combination allows early identification of foreign bodies during the production process. To maintain best quality in the unlikely event of metallic contamination from knives and mechanical equipment, Joseph Robertson passes all its products through Loma inspection equipment for reassurance that even the tiniest particles are detected and removed."
Loma's CW3 combination provides superior product support in a compact and space saving design. Developed specifically for the food processing industry, this fully accredited, flexible machine is capable of adapting to a wide range of different products because of its variable frequency metal detection and versatile checkweighing capabilities.
Alex continues: "The CW3 combination systems and standalone IQ3 metal detector needed to be capable of handling a wide range of Joseph Robertson products, including frozen and chilled coated fillets, fishcakes, scampi and ready meals, all packed in plastics trays. The metal detector offers variable frequency meaning items can be automatically calibrated in a matter of seconds, ensuring optimum speed and efficiency. Frequency data for many different products can be stored allowing for minimum set up time, ease of operation and optimum sensitivity across a complete range."
Featuring the superb performance and accuracy of a CW3 checkweigher with the high sensitivity of an IQ3 metal detector, the combination system eliminates the expense of a separate conveyor. The checkweigher measures product weights quickly and precisely; rejecting 'out of tolerance' products, while the metal detector consistently detects and rejects contaminated items.
Like most modern food businesses, Joseph Robertson cannot afford downtime as a result of unreliable or erratic inspection equipment. Simon says: "We had been extremely happy with the functionality and performane of the three Loma CW3 combination checkweighing and metal detection systems already in use at our plant. As a result, it made sense to standardise our inspection equipment going forward. Choosing Loma and these models in particular ensure we continue exceeding the expectations of our customers in terms of quality and safety."
Loma's CW3 combination features a single touch screen interface with dual controls for both functions. It has an industry standard OPC (Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control) system allowing operation managers to readily and easily integrate the equipment into existing factory data capture networks. These reports are often requested by major multiples to ensure quality levels are being maintained and upheld.
Simon concludes: "We would not engage with any supplier without scrutinising its support and Loma ticks all the boxes. The company truly lives up to its reputation as a market-leading supplier to the food industry and is extremely supportive when advising on different projects. The latest three machines were delivered to our exact specification and on time plus the 'plug and play' functionality facilitated easy installation and operation. The after sales service is excellent too underlined by the provision of a Scottish sales and support team. For these reasons, I would not hesitate to recommend Loma and its equipment to other food processors."
