How Automation Eases Labor Shortage

Labor shortage is an increasing challenge in the business of food manufacturing, particularly in the meat industry.

Meat Production

The Effects of Labor Shortage

Labor shortage is an increasing challenge in the business of food manufacturing, particularly in the meat industry. According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the unemployment rate in food manufacturing has averaged 3.8 percent over the past two years – a big departure from the 6.2 percent average over the past 24 years.

Labor shortages in meatpacking and food production present significant operational challenges, from increased costs to difficulties in scaling production to meet market demands.

Meat manufacturing companies are unable to find workers willing to perform repetitive tasks, particularly in environments like manufacturing sites. This means the companies must look for alternatives to maintain output.

The unemployment rate in food manufacturing has averaged 3.8 percent over the past two years.

We’re automating more of our processes. Not only does it help with labor shortages, but it also reduces labor costs, helping us stay competitive. Automating certain packaging processes has allowed us to reallocate staff to areas where their skills bring more value.

Klaus Vestergaard
Facility Director, Himmerlandskød

READ CASE

3 Ways Automation
Can Help Combat Labor Shortage

Worker burnout and safety

Automation removes physically demanding or repetitive tasks from manual work, and allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks like food safety, quality control, and jobs that are not suited for automation.

Less reliance on manual labor

Automation facilitates more efficient production flow by reducing the risk involved with labor shortage. The reliability of QUPAQ’s machines makes it possible to follow production plans with greater effectiveness.

Cost efficiency

Automation offers long-term cost savings by optimizing processes. Companies can achieve higher productivity and capacity without proportionate increases in workforce size, and not adding further rolling costs.

Read More: Advancing Automation: The Future of Robotics

Automation as the solution

Address Worker Burnout and Safety

By automating tasks that are hard to staff, meat manufacturers can manage labor shortages, and moreover, help reduce burnout and improve workplace safety.

Workers often leave due to the monotony and physical strain of repetitive tasks. Automating such processes allows workers to focus on higher-value tasks, such as e.g. food safety and quality control, while reducing their exposure to physically demanding or hazardous environments.

By investing in QUPAQ’s plug-and-play solutions, you can eliminate the mundane, repetitive tasks that are difficult to fill and ensure your operations continue without disruption.

Products that make automation a no-brainer

Packaging Done Right!

INTRAY Smart Buffer – Servo

Automatic loading of trays with advanced INPRO Software. Denesting errors become a thing of the past – speed of more than 200 trays per minute.

QUPAQ Shuttle Conveyor

QUPAQ Shuttle Conveyor is used for multiple load of products. The capacity is up to 240 pieces/min

QUPAQ Flex Loader

Experience unparalleled versatility and adaptability with the QUPAQ Flex Loader – a tray loader designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency.

Improve US Meat Manufacturing

Meat manufacturing in the US faces a growing set of challenges. Market demand is rising along with population growth. Supply chains are becoming more complex, and labor shortages continue to increase. Altogether, this can make it harder for meat manufacturers to meet production needs.


What strategies have you considered for addressing these challenges?

Labor Shortage

How can automation ease labor shortage?

Read More

Capacity and Scalability

How can you keep up with demand?

Read More

Food Safety and Food waste

What are the biggest risks in food packaging?

Read More

Reliable Partners

What criteria should you look for in a partnership?

Read More
Leaders in meat processing

Companies Using QUPAQ’s Technologies…

Bell
Cargill
Creminelli
Danish Crown
Hilton Foods
Himmerlandskød
Norfersk
Schweid & Sons
Tulip
Tyson
Tönnies
Wiesenhof

… Among Many Others!

Need INFORMATION?

Contact Us to Find the Right Tray Denesting, Loading or Handling Solution for You

Stefan Lendzian
VP Sales, North and Central America

+1 717 615 1530

[email protected]

Gert Lisberg Jensen
Area Sales Manager

+1 630 372 4379

[email protected]

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