Scan Sverige gains efficiency through robotic precision

At this site, tradition meets innovation. Scan Sverige combines modern processing technologies with the strong heritage of Swedish farming — a balance that defines both the company’s identity and its future ambitions.
 
We spoke with Henrik Johansson, Plant Manager, and Tobias Nilsson, Production Manager, about the transformation, the challenges driving it, and the partnership with JBT Marel that supports their ambition.

Meeting rising demands in a changing industry

The meat processing industry is evolving rapidly. Increasing demands around traceability, sustainability, and food safety are reshaping operations across the sector.

For Scan Sverige, staying ahead means continuously investing in both technology and working conditions.

“We see higher demands from authorities when it comes to food hygiene, traceability, and how we secure food safety,” says Henrik Johansson, Plant Manager.

Addressing labor challenges with automation

Like many processors, Scan Sverige has faced growing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled labor. Manual processes made it increasingly difficult to ensure consistent precision and meet strict hygiene standards.

“It’s hard to find butchers that can do the work and live up to the requirements,” explains Tobias Nilsson, Production Manager. “The precision cuts and the hygienic part are really difficult to do manually.”

To overcome these challenges, Scan Sverige invested in M-Line robotics from JBT Marel.

Precision, hygiene, and consistency with M-Line

The installation of four M-Line robots has transformed operations on the slaughter line. With integrated scanning technology, the robots deliver highly consistent and precise cuts, improving performance across the entire process.

A key innovation is the TwinTool system, which enhances sterilization and helps maintain high hygiene standards throughout production.

“The TwinTool is key for sterilization, and it has made a big difference for us,” says Nilsson.

In addition, solutions such as the Bung Remover have improved hygiene performance and reduced contamination.

Measurable improvements in efficiency and yield

The impact of the M-Line robots is clearly reflected in daily operations. Scan Sverige has achieved measurable improvements in both efficiency and product yield.

The increased precision has led to better utilization of valuable parts and more consistent product quality across the line.

“We get better yield on the leaf lard and on the head. The neck meat now stays on the carcass instead of ending up on the head,” says Johansson.

The improvements also translate into operational efficiency.

“After installing the M-Line robots, we reduced seven FTEs on the slaughter line,” adds Nilsson.

Overall, the plant now benefits from higher yield, reduced waste, and improved cost efficiency.

Fast return on investment

Beyond performance improvements, the investment in automation has also delivered a strong business case.

Older equipment simply cannot match the combination of precision, hygiene, and efficiency offered by modern robotic systems.

“Older equipment can never have the precision, hygiene, and efficiency that these robots can,” says Johansson.

At the same time, the return on investment has been achieved relatively quickly.

A partnership built on expertise and trust

A key success factor in the project was the close collaboration between Scan Sverige and JBT Marel.

From the initial analysis to the final installation, the project was characterized by clear communication, strong technical expertise, and a structured approach.

“JBT Marel supported us in analyzing bottlenecks and implementing the investments in a very professional way,” says Johansson.

The installation process itself was smooth, with minimal disruption to ongoing production.

Future-ready pork processing

Today, the Kristianstad facility is a strong example of how automation can future-proof pork processing operations.

With M-Line robotics in place, Scan Sverige has created a production environment that delivers consistent quality, improved sustainability, and greater efficiency.

“We are very satisfied. It met all our expectations and the start-up was really smooth,” concludes Nilsson.