Success Story: Czechoslovakian Client Using VERFOODSOLUTIONS Portion Cutting Machine for Cheese and Ham

In the dynamic world of meat and cheese portioning, efficiency and precision are essential for any successful operation. For over a decade, our dedicated team has been at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions to processors around the globe. Today, we’re excited to spotlight a game-changer in the industry: the remarkable verfoodsolutions portion cutting machine. This machine is capable of handling a diverse range of products, including pork, beef, poultry, cheese, and hams. With an adjustable thickness range of 1-60 mm and a cutting speed of 160-260 slices per minute, it is poised to revolutionize your processing operations by providing uniform portions with unparalleled accuracy.

One of our recent clients, a prominent cheese and ham producer in Czechoslovakia, faced mounting challenges in meeting growing consumer demand while adhering to stringent product standards. To tackle these issues, they sought a solution to enhance their portioning process and boost overall productivity. This case study details their journey from confronting initial obstacles to the successful implementation of the Verfoodsoliutions portion cutting machine. The client aimed to slice their cheese at a precise thickness of 5mm and their ham at 3 mm. Remarkably, the machine consistently fulfilled their requirements, allowing for the packing of 20 slices of ham and 5 slices of cheese per pack.

Before the introduction of the VER horizontal portion slicer, the client faced several significant hurdles:

Inconsistent Portion Sizes: Manual slicing resulted in variability in portion sizes, negatively affecting product presentation and pricing strategies.

Labor-Intensive Process: The manual cutting operations were labor-intensive, consuming substantial workforce hours and leading to inefficiencies throughout the operation.

Increased Demand: As consumer demand for their cheese and ham surged, the manual slicing methods struggled to keep up, jeopardizing timely deliveries to retailers and consumers alike.

Hygiene Concerns: Maintaining rigorous hygiene standards during food processing was challenging with manual methods, creating potential risks to food safety.

Recognizing the urgent need for a solution, the client began exploring automated slicing options. They discovered the VERfoodsolutions horizontal portion slicer machine, renowned for its versatility, adjustable thickness controls, and high-speed cutting capabilities. After thorough research and consultations, they concluded that this machine could deliver the efficiency and precision necessary for their operations.

Now, let’s delve into how our machine transformed this client’s meat portioning business.

1. Enhanced Production Efficiency

One of the most significant benefits of the VER portion cutting machine is its ability to dramatically increase production efficiency. The horizontal portion slicer dramatically increases production efficiency with a slicing speed of up to 260 slices per minute, allowing processors to meet high demands without sacrificing quality. Designed with an extra-wide loading chamber, it accommodates a variety of products—including escalope, roast beef, and sausages—while offering precise slice thickness control from 1 to 60 mm. Its user-friendly operation and fully-automatic loading minimize downtime, enabling a continuous production flow and an outstanding hourly throughput of up to 4 tons. The machine’s design minimizes downtime and allows for a continuous flow of production, which is essential for businesses dealing with large orders, such as delis and supermarkets.

2. Guaranteed Portion Control for Cost Management

Effective cost management in food processing relies on consistent portion sizes. The portion cutting machine provides precise control over slice thickness, enabling processors to customize products to customer specifications. For instance, our Czech client utilizes the machine to slice ham at 3 mm thickness, packaging it into packs of 20 slices, while their cheese is sliced at 5 mm and packed into bundles of 5 slices.  With advanced sensors and a user-friendly design, it simplifies packaging and meets hygiene requirements, making it ideal for high-volume meat processing. This precise portion control minimizes waste and maximizes yield, enhancing profitability.

3. High-Quality Cuts with Minimal Labor Input

Manual food processing is not only labor-intensive but also prone to variability in quality. The VER portion cutting machine significantly reduces the reliance on manual labor by automating the cutting process. Equipped with an intelligent scanning chamber, it adjusts slicing parameters based on the specific product being processed, ensuring accurate results every time. This automation allows staff to redirect their focus to other crucial tasks, thereby boosting productivity without increasing labor costs. With the capability to deliver high-speed slicing of up to 260 slices per minute, the slicer streamlines operations and reduces the time and effort required for manual portioning, resulting in substantial labor savings for meat processing facilities.

4. User-Friendly Operation for Quick Training

Designed with ergonomics in mind, the VER portion cutting machine promotes user-friendly operation, allowing for rapid onboarding of new staff. Its symmetric design and customizable feeding direction provide flexibility, enabling operators to work efficiently from either side of the machine. This intuitive setup ensures that even less experienced staff can quickly become proficient, thereby reducing training time and maintaining smooth operations. The slicer features an intuitive CNC operation panel for easy navigation, complemented by simple controls and visual failure signals. This design ensures that operators can swiftly learn to operate the machine, maximizing efficiency from day one.

5. Efficient Handling of Various Cut Types

Whether slicing bacon, fish, or dairy products, the VER portion cutting machine excels in delivering consistent, high-quality cuts. Its ability to produce shingled slices that can slightly overlap maximizes both product yield and visual appeal. For our client in Czechoslovakia, this feature enables attractive packaging of their ham and cheese, directly appealing to consumers while upholding high production standards. The machine is designed with a spacious loading chamber that can accommodate bulk items for stacked slicing without losing precision. Its detachable cutting blade set includes both flat and serrated options, making it effective for cutting through both boneless and bone-in meats. Enhanced stability is achieved through an adjustable gripper and intelligent cutting claws, while an innovative feeding system and automatic reset feature further improve overall operational efficiency. This array of features positions the VER horizontal slicer as an unparalleled solution for diverse slicing needs within meat and dairy processing.

 6. Reduced Risk of Cross-Contamination

Food safety is paramount in food processing, and the VER portion cutting machine adheres rigorously to the highest hygiene standards. Constructed from 304 stainless steel, the machine boasts a sandblasted finish that effectively prevents the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, enhancing its cleanability. Its design allows for easy disassembly, ensuring thorough cleaning and compliance with food safety regulations. This meticulous attention to hygiene significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, making it an ideal choice for facilities focused on maintaining the highest levels of food safety.

7. Automatic Return Limiter for Streamlined Workflow

The innovative automatic return limiter enhances the efficiency of the VER portion cutting machine by streamlining the slicing process. This intelligent mechanism ensures that each product is seamlessly cut without interruptions, allowing for smooth operations throughout the production line. The secure gripper firmly holds each item, guaranteeing that every slice of ham and cheese is consistent in thickness. This feature not only maximizes operational flow but also minimizes human error, ultimately leading to higher productivity and reduced waste.

8. Exceptional Durability and Maintenance Features

Investing in the VER portion cutting machine ensures access to equipment designed for exceptional durability and longevity. The high-quality German cutting blades offer superior sharpness, maintaining clean cuts over time while reducing the frequency of replacements. The machine’s thoughtful design incorporates features that facilitate easy maintenance, allowing for routine checks and servicing to be performed with minimal effort. This ensures the longevity of the equipment and consistent performance, making it a smart investment for businesses aiming for efficiency and reliability in their food processing operations.

9. Safe Operation with Comprehensive Protective Measures

Safety is paramount in any workplace, and the VER portion cutting machine incorporates multiple protective features to ensure the well-being of operators. Equipped with an emergency stop button and safety sensors, the machine immediately powers down in the event of a malfunction, minimizing the risk of accidents. These comprehensive protective measures not only enhance operator safety but also help prevent costly incidents that could disrupt production schedules. With these safeguards in place, businesses can operate with confidence, knowing that they are prioritizing both efficiency and safety.

10. Versatile Applications Across Different Products

The versatile VER portion cutting machine is engineered to meet diverse food processing needs. Its extra-wide loading chamber accommodates products up to 640 mm in length and 10 mm x 230 mm in cross-section, facilitating seamless transitions between various items.

Key Applications:

Meat: Efficiently slices a variety of meats, including beef (steaks, rolls, medallions), pork (chops, belly, bacon), lamb portions, and poultry/fish products (cutlets, nuggets).

Cured and Cooked Sausages: Delivers high-speed slicing of wieners, salami, and deli meats.

Dairy: Prepares customized portions of various cheeses—fresh, chilled, or frozen.

Vegetables: Ideal for fine slicing or shredding ingredients such as carrots, cabbage, and radishes.

Bakery: Cuts bread and baked goods uniformly, ensuring consistent sizes.

Confectionery: Provides precision slicing for candies and baked confections.

This horizontal portion slicer adeptly handles a wide array of products—from meats and dairy to vegetables, baked goods, and sweets—making it an essential tool for commercial kitchens, butcher shops, and industrial food processing operations.

The success story of our Czechoslovakian client serves as a testament to the transformative impact of the VER portion cutting machine on food processing operations. By tackling challenges such as inconsistent portion sizes, labor intensity, and hygiene concerns, they significantly enhanced their production capabilities, allowing for efficient slicing that meets growing consumer demand while maintaining high safety standards. The machine’s advanced features not only streamlined their operations but also reduced waste and labor costs, positioning them for continued growth in a competitive market. As the food industry evolves, investing in innovative technologies like the VER horizontal portion cutter is essential for businesses aiming to thrive. We invite you to discover how this cutting-edge solution can elevate your operations and drive success in your processing endeavors.