Ubago, ready for the future with integrated solutions

Ubago Groupo’s produce high-quality, consistent and safe smoked fish including salmon, a strong focus on quality has made it one of the most recognized brands in Spain supplying major supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and catering, as well as an expanding export market. Ubago has trusted JBT Marel’s advanced technology to ensure their processing lines can support this reputation.

“We have known each other for more than 20 years, and the collaboration is always excellent,” said Karim El Ogbani, Processing Technical Manager, Smoked Fish Division, Ubago. “What we like most is that JBT Marel listens to us. They strive to find solutions for us. And we show continuous improvement in those processes.

Even as demand for smoked fish products grows, the available workforce has reduced. This is a particular challenge during the main production season, when processors need large numbers of temporary operators. “It’s especially challenging in a tourist town like Malaga, where young workers can easily get jobs in restaurants,” said Ernesto Planas Roman, Key Account Manager, JBT Marel.

To address this industry wide challenge, improve the efficiency of production lines and increase production capacity, Ubago has been investing in a long-term project with JBT Marel. When completed, both Spanish processing facilities will be future ready, with increased automation and connectivity that not only supports Ubago’s continued growth but also supports operators and managers.  

Being future ready in fish processing goes beyond advanced equipment, it also requires digital connectivity to provide real-time insight that enables decision-making, operational oversight and control, all leading to better yields, less waste, and more efficiency. As Ubago has installed equipment, they have also been integrating JBT Marel Software, optimizing production control that results in consistent, high-quality end-products that maintain the reputation of the Ubago brand.

Both facilities will ultimately operate using the same technology and capacity, to facilitate positive change management that supports operators and managers as new systems are introduced; installation is staggered, and each stage is supported by the JBT Marel team with appropriate training.

Higher filleting yields with less human input

To remain competitive in today’s market, processors must be able to provide good quality end products at a good price. Ubago filleting lines are now installed with the latest equipment including the MS 3208 Deheader and the MS 2750 Filleting Machine, automating salmon deheading and filleting to bring a new level of processing efficiency and reliable quality. While individually, each machine provides incredible accuracy, installed together the yield of each fish is optimized even further.

The Deheader MS 3028 measures each fish from the eye to ensure each cut creates the highest value. Headed fish are seamlessly fed into the MS 2750 in the correct alignment to maximize filleting accuracy. Automating this repetitive task increases uptime and production flow and frees valuable operators to be reassigned to more varied tasks.

AXIN Salmon Filleting Process Solution software uses vision technology and real-time monitoring to streamline the filleting process. Data-driven insights help boost raw material use and boost profits. Ernesto Planas emphasizes the other challenges this level of automation address, “As demand grows, you need to make more kilos of end product per operator. Automating the filleting line increases production, without needing to find more operators.”

Slicing to order

The latest addition to Ubago processing lines is the Retail pack Slicer I-Slice 3400 with robot packing. Slicing, batching and packing salmon and smoked salmon to pack size and defined target weights. The I-Slice 3400 helps ensure customer orders are met with accuracy while minimizing waste of valuable raw material.

A step towards a strong future with integrated software

By choosing JBT Marel as a technology partner, equipment and software integrate seamlessly to increase oversight, control and scalability. Valuable data is automatically collected and presented in accessible dashboards and reports, simplifying traceability to help meet stringent regulatory requirements for domestic and export markets, making accurate auditing fast, and enabling consistent operational improvements. At JBT Marel we’re proud to continue our long partnership with Ubago, providing support and advanced solutions that help them move into the future with confidence.

“We always seek ways to add value to our products, which is why we always try to be at the forefront and find the best technologies on the market. To get out of our comfort zones and improve, it helps us with our day-to-day work,” said Karim El Ogbani.

About Ubago Group

Ubago is a leading provider of cod, canned, smoked and salted fish to national and international markets. A Spanish company with production centers in Spain, Morocco, Cape Verde and Portugal their operations are focused on providing high-quality products using sustainable, innovative, automated processes.

Company website: Ubago Group