The automated system lifts processing yields, improves safety and allows Alliance to refocus an already short labour supply on other areas of production.
High meat prices and lack of skilled labour have boosted demand for automation and robotics provider Scott Technology, the listed company based in Dunedin.
It has reported increases in revenue and earnings for the first half of the 2022 financial year, ended 28 February.
Revenue was up 13% to $118.4 million and normalised earnings before interest and tax grew by 19% to $11.7m, delivering a net profit of $4.7m.
The company said forward work remains robust with system design and build contracts in Europe, United States, China, Australia and New Zealand.
“Completion of large meat automation systems for Alliance Group and a leading meat processor in Australia has seen growth in profitability for our projects business,” the company said.
“Our primary focus remains on selling lamb systems within the ANZ region, as well as poultry trussing systems in the US.
“Demand is strong for BladeStop globally, slaughter equipment, standalone cutting equipment and carcase grading systems.
“Scott is leveraging experience and key customer partnerships to expand our systems offerings into beef and anticipate this will provide the next step change in growth for our meat business.”
The large lamb primal automation project at the Alliance Lorneville plant, the largest lamb processing site in the world, has received final sign-off and is now in production.
The system lifts processing yields, improves safety and allows Alliance to refocus an already short labour supply on other areas of production.
Scott’s share price has risen by one-third during the past year without setting any records.
In recent times it has averaged its present level of $3.25 and directors declared an interim unimputed dividend of 4c, payable on May 11.
