Today, an increasing number of consumers desire alternatives to red meat products from an economical and perceived health benefit standpoint, among others. Poultry processors are responding to such consumer desires by introducing a variety of formed, further value-added poultry products, such as coated/breaded products like chicken nuggets, sticks and fingers; sausage and frankfurters; luncheon meats, meatballs; plus a range of upscale, further value-added chicken and turkey patties.

VerTex Forming Systems from Formax, a Provisur Technologies Inc. brand, are ideal for consistently creating a wide range of formed, further value-added poultry products. Formax’s VerTex660and VerTex1000 forming systems, in particular, are both meeting this challenge.

These systems are designed for superior versatility, texture and the lowest cost of ownership while the VerTex1000 was designed to improve efficiency and sustainability by substantially reducing water usage and power consumption. Ideal for manufacturing value-added poultry products, features for the VerTex660 include a Direct Drive Servo System offering drum speeds up to 20 RPM and rates in excess of 9,000 lbs. (4,000 kg) per hour depending on application, while the VerTex1000 offers the industry’s highest output at drum speeds up to 20 RPM and rates in excess of 14,000 lbs. (6,400 kg) per hour depending on application.

Both systems’ Dual Lobe Pumps protect a product’s original texture. The pump and the feed screw movement are operator controlled to prevent overworking, resulting in a better product texture. Portions can be as this as .200” (5mm) and as thick as .750” (19mm) with front to back dimension of up to 6.00” (152.4mm) – providing all the versatility you need for whole muscle, ground muscle, ground, 3D contoured, large diameters, this products and all mixes.

The systems’ low maintenance Rotary Drum maximizes uptime and provides significant cost benefits compared to sintered metal forming products. The VerTex660 drum utilizes materials similar to those used on their slide plate forming systems, so they can be cleaned without special chemicals or cleaning stations – reducing expenses and lowering ownership costs.

And the VerTex660 and VerTex1000 Servo Knock-out Systems facilitate accurate product placement and eliminate troublesome release issues caused by plugged drums and also eliminate requirements for additional systems, such as high-volume air compressors. Its 15-inch Touch Screen Interface offers a full range of operating and diagnostic screens in multiple languages and the systems’ Pivoting Product Hopper assures higher productivity and food safety.

Forming innovative, value-added poultry products requires the right technology for each application. Exceptional forming can consistently be accomplished by utilizing the VerTex660 and VerTex1000 systems shift after shift, day after day.

For more information on the VerTex660, VerTex1000 and other Formax Forming solutions, visit www.provisur.com.