Astafjord Slakteri enhances salmon filleting and processing efficiency

Steadily expanding with a focus on food safety and quality

Astafjord has evolved and expanded significantly since it was founded in the 1980s. Starting with modest facilities capable of processing around 3 tons per day, the company has transformed into a large, state-of-the-art plant with an impressive capacity of 150 tons of salmon per day.

With a philosophy of continuous improvement, Astafjord has built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Food quality and hygiene are paramount, as both consumers and the regulatory environment demand that salmon food products meet the highest food safety standards.

Partnering with Marel for full-line salmon processing solutions

Collaboration between Astafjord and Marel began in 2019 with the introduction of a new packing grader for HOG salmon, which boosted efficiency and enhanced packing precision. The partnership has continued to flourish, with Astafjord recently investing in a Marel Satellite Grader for grading fish before filleting.

Now in 2024, Astafjord has further enhanced processing efficiency by investing in a Deheading Table MS 2510 and Marel’s new fourth-generation filleting machine, the MS 2750. This advanced filleting machine revolutionizes high-yield filleting of salmon and trout, processing up to 25 fish per minute without operator input. Featuring Marel's advanced technology, the MS 2750 maximizes raw material utilization and dramatically reduces water consumption to an exceptionally low 15 liters per minute.

As Astafjord makes these enhancements, Johnsen says that it’s been valuable to have a close, long-term partnership with Marel as a full-line provider. “When you have a bigger system and you start knowing the people, you get more back.”

He adds that communication is key—they can call Marel anytime, offer feedback and resolve issues quickly if enhancements or troubleshooting are needed. “’Always improve’ is our goal,” says Johnsen, and Marel is always ready to support them in achieving it.

Innova ties the entire production line together

Marel’s Innova Food Processing Software ensures connectivity for Astafjord’s production, linking machines to software and each other. Innova offers real-time data recording and analysis, full product traceability and detailed operational insights, among other capabilities.

“I think it’s very easy to use, and I know that there are a lot of opportunities in it,” says Johnsen. He also appreciates how they can customize Innova software according to their specific needs, adding, “We can make it how we want it to look.... We can benefit from making it [tailored] to our factory, like we want it. We can build up the setup that we like to see.”

With Marel’s support, Astafjord is positioned for ongoing growth and advancement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of delivering top-quality salmon products to consumers worldwide.