Fixed automation is the most common type of automation used in trimming and deboning. For example, West Liberty Foods (WLF), in West Liberty, Iowa, uses automation for back half processing, such as back, thigh and drum separation and thigh deboning. For WLF, the biggest advantage for automated processing is the reduction in labor required to debone the whole chickens without giblets (WOGs). Associated with this is a reduction in health claims due to a lower overall workforce, says Joe Swanson, vice president of operations.
“Front-half WOG deboning continues to advance with improvements in the yield attained versus the hand deboning process,” he says. “As this gap closes, the automated process will surpass the manual process.”