Together with Rockwell Automation, Middleby Food Processing has implemented the first fully automated bacon production line in the food industry. The solution improves processes, reduces labor, and lowers water consumption. The partners are setting a new industry standard and responding to the growing demand for flexible, sustainable, and efficient solutions in food processing.
Automation at Middleby Food Processing for efficiency and sustainability
Middleby Food Processing is based in Elgin, Illinois. To support customers with rising labor costs, space constraints, and ambitious sustainability goals, the company decided to collaborate with Rockwell Automation. The decisive factors were engineering expertise, seamless system integration, and the ability to design systems that are future-proof in the long term. Mark Salman, president of Middleby Food Processing, emphasizes that the first-class integration of Rockwell Automation devices across Middleby Food Processing brands was crucial to the decision. He explains that long-term flexibility and interoperability between machines were needed, and Rockwell provided this along with technical support and programming standards.
Technical platform supports flexible food production
At the heart of the solution is FactoryTalk Optix software. It standardizes user interfaces, programming, and application codes, including through the Machine Builder Library and Device Objects. This structure not only facilitates remote maintenance and troubleshooting, but also opens up opportunities for real-time data strategies. The result is a unified platform that ensures scalability and adaptability.
Fully automated bacon line improves throughput at Middleby
Steve Pulsifer, senior manager of partner marketing at Rockwell Automation, points out that the company is proud to support Middleby Food Processing’s vision for the future of food production. He highlights that the fully automated bacon line improves throughput, reduces labor and wastewater consumption, and sets new standards in food production.
Middleby Food Processing opens up prospects for other areas
The joint solution is not limited to bacon. With the support of Rockwell Automation, Middleby Food Processing is also pursuing a consistent automation approach in the baked goods and protein segments. The standardized architecture makes it possible to tailor production lines to individual operational requirements. In this way, the partners are strengthening the competitiveness of food manufacturers in a dynamic market environment.
