Automated processing in onshore factories on the rise
As margins tighten, quotas change, and labour grows scarce, more seafood processors are turning to onshore automation to stabilise output and protect quality.
Optimising existing production facilities is an important part of staying competitive in the market and improving production capacity. Onshore automation is about reliable flow, fewer touches, and clean design that works every day.
In recent years, Carsoe, a trusted partner in onboard seafood processing, has supplied several onshore processing solutions for both fish and shellfish focused on automating processes.
Carsoe’s sea‑proven approach, applied on shore
Carsoe’s experience was formed where failure isn’t an option. In onboard factories that run for months away from port. That experience has shaped the way the company designs land‑based lines: tight footprints, sanitary stainless‑steel construction, open access for fast cleaning and equipment that runs reliably in demanding conditions.
“If it works at sea, it will work anywhere,” Frederik Svane, Sales Manager at Carsoe notes. “On land, we bring the same discipline: hygienic design, easy cleaning, and automation that keeps flow stable, whether it’s whole fish, fillets, crab or mixed species.”
Factory Automation and Data Tracking mixed species
A strong onshore layout is customised to fit either into existing footprints or to maximise a new floor from day one. When planning the factory, processors focus on high throughput, reduced manual handling and consistently high hygienic standards with automation tuned to species mix.
In recent years data tracking and quality control have also become increasingly important for processors as a data-driven approach to processing gives strong insights to optimised use of the plant. Furthermore, processing data and product tracking helps processors comply with regulatory demands as well as quality assurance.
Processors rank these priorities because they move the economics of the plant every day
A proven approach: Optimise what you have
Optimising the existing plant is often the fastest route to more capacity. That might mean redesigning existing lines, adding new equipment and automating repetitive steps such as handling and freezing.
“Most customers don’t have the luxury of an empty shell,” says Svane. “We design around the existing layout and bring in automation in steps so production can stay on plan.”
For many sites, an updated factory flow with a high degree of automation does more than lift throughput. It helps plants hit hygiene windows on time, reduces ergonomic risk, and makes staffing more resilient when the labour market tightens.
Factory solution designed for the future
The smartest on‑shore investments are upgrade‑ready. Plants that keep growing tend to plan expansion joints to prepare for future adaptation. Further expansion could include new species, new technology or a ramp up of the production capacity.
“We see customers adding a new species or stepping up the degree of automation within 12–24 months of go‑live,” says Svane and concludes with a little advice “Design for your space, your people, and your seasons. And keep the door open for what’s next.”
Read the latest copy of the Fish Focus Seafood Processors Review
Images© Carsoe