HVO Meat improves efficiency with new packaging machine

Matthijs de Jong, owner of HVO Meat, was looking for a way to speed up and simplify the packaging process on the production line. The installation of a Flowvac packaging machine has led to a significant increase in efficiency and a noticeable reduction in physical strain for employees.

HVO Meat specialises in selecting, deboning and cutting veal and lamb. “We offer an extensive range of meat products, from chops and shanks to shoulder cuts and fine fillets,” says Matthijs de Jong. “All of these cuts need to be vacuum packed. We used to do the filling by hand. That was hard work—putting pieces of meat weighing five or six kilos into bags all day long, and making sure they looked good too. I was looking for a way to make the job easier.”

To find a solution, Matthijs searched online and visited various trade fairs, assuming that the solution was probably already out there. That’s how he came across the FLOW-VAC® machine from ULMA Packaging. “It’s not brand new to the market, but it’s far ahead of its time,” says Tom Rozendaal, sales manager at ULMA. The FLOW-VAC® system is designed to automate the delivery of packaging to the vacuum chamber. Tom explains: “Thanks to the special patented software, the sealing bars are activated alternately, meaning that one cycle seals the bags and the next cycle cuts them. This allows the automatic transfer system to load the bags from both sides of the vacuum chamber without manual input, so the chamber is filled as efficiently as possible.”

Improved working conditions

The new machine has significantly increased production speed. Matthijs: “Where it used to take three people working hard on the line, two can now easily handle the same workload. Lower staffing costs are a welcome bonus, but what matters more to me is that working conditions have improved. Physical strain is reduced because the machine takes over a large share of the repetitive work. Another benefit is that human contact with the meat is minimised, which further reduces the risk of contamination.”

“Of course, the flowvac system is specifically designed for use in food processing environments, with a focus on safety and hygiene,” Tom adds. “The film is unwound and the product is placed directly onto it. This prevents the product from coming into contact with the sealing area, which improves hygiene.”

Less film waste

The machine is capable of handling various cuts of meat on the same line. Even small trimmings are processed on this line, which, according to Tom, is quite unique. “This method of packaging also results in a significant reduction in film use compared to our previous method, where we filled pre-formed bags,” says Matthijs. “We haven’t done the exact math yet, but we’re talking about a substantial amount of plastic saved.”

Film usage is automatically adjusted based on product detection, which leads to lower consumption and less residual waste. The system also improves product presentation. The seal margins are minimal, so the product is more prominently visible. “You see more product and less packaging,” Matthijs explains. “That fits with the current mindset, where there’s increasing demand for reduced plastic use in packaging.”

Growth

Automation also aligns with HVO Meat’s ambitions for sustainable growth. Over the past three years, turnover has more than doubled, and according to Matthijs, this is only the beginning. Since 2022, the meat wholesaler has been operating from a new facility in Waddinxveen that is five times larger than the previous one—and expansion plans are already underway.

Matthijs attributes this growth in part to the rising demand for premium white veal and HVO Meat’s ability to consistently meet that demand. “The meat industry is facing supply chain issues, but we’ve been able to keep things steady, thanks to long-standing partnerships with reliable suppliers. On top of that, our internal processes are well organised, allowing us to respond quickly—even internationally.”

“For example, we supply hare meat for Formula 1 events in Bahrain and ship products to Dubai on a weekly basis. We’re fully equipped to handle all the required documentation, but in order to stay relevant and compliant—and to continue delivering top quality—automation is essential. Investing in this packaging machine is an important step in the further professionalisation of our operations.”

www.hvomeat.nl
www.ulmapackaging.com

Photos ©Bertels Fotografie