For Pacific TUM Cold Storage, innovative technology has played a crucial role in driving their growth and success. Looking to enhance their tuna processing operations, they invested in a Whole Fish Grader from Marel—and immediately began seeing improvements in fish weighing accuracy and labor costs. We spoke with key members of the Pacific TUM team about the grader’s impact on their day-to-day operations and the benefits they’ve experienced since its implementation.
Pacific TUM Cold Storage provides processing and storage services for tuna, salmon, and other seafood products. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Samut Sakhon, located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 48 km from Bangkok. Pacific TUM is part of a joint venture between Pacific Cold Storage Co. and Thai Union Manufacturing (TUM), which is a member of the Thai Union Group.
Before investing in the Marel grader, Pacific TUM looked to address key operational challenges, including its heavy reliance on manual labor for sorting and weighing fish. Employees had to be trained to recognize different species and their weights—a process that was not only time-consuming but also prone to inconsistencies.
"We needed staff to handle the species categorization and weighing, which sometimes led to weight discrepancies compared to what was agreed upon, affecting customer transactions," explained General Manager Pratit Wongphimaykham. These discrepancies created inefficiencies and required extra work to correct errors.
Customer feedback also highlighted issues with size categorization, leading to delays and re-sorting. "Incorrect size categorization would lead to a re-categorization process, which extended the overall work duration," explained Customer Service Supervisor Inthuon Phuttha.
Additionally, processing each truckload required a large workforce, making operations labor-intensive and costly, as Thanwarat Sidam, Assistant Warehouse Manager, explains, “When each truck arrived, we required a significant number of employees—typically 10 to 15 people for each load.”
These challenges made it clear that a more precise, automated solution was necessary to enhance efficiency and accuracy in their grading and sorting processes.
After implementing Marel's grader, we have been able to reduce labor costs. In return, we have gained improved accuracy in fish size categorization and weight measurement.
Inthuon Phuttha, Customer Service Supervisor
Pacific TUM Cold Storage
Pacific TUM researched multiple grading solutions and found that Marel’s Whole Fish Grader stood out for its flexibility and reliability. “We studied this solution with three to four companies over some time,” explains Wongphimaykham. “One key factor was that several affiliated companies of Thai Union were already using Marel products. We've observed these products in action, and they have proven to be reliable. Despite being installed for a long time, the tools are still in excellent condition and meet customer requirements.”
“Considering that the pricing was quite similar across the options, we felt that the Marel solution offered the most flexibility for our needs, which is why we chose Marel,” continues Wongphimaykham. “In our experience with Marel, [we knew] it would be good technology, a good solution, and good after-service.”
Ideal for tuna processing, the Whole Fish Grader is a high-accuracy sorting system that categorizes fresh whole fish by size into tubs or boxes, raising efficiency and improving product handling. By weighing and grading fish precisely, it enables better downstream operations—such as deheading and filleting—and boosts yields by tailoring machine settings. Effective grading can also help avoid the common pain point of over cooking, thereby supporting higher product quality.
Detailed weight distribution and piece counts streamline stock management, making it easier to predict product volumes, fulfill quota requirements, and handle financial settlements with supplying vessels. This gives processors the tools needed to create higher product value, reduce labor needs, and ensure more reliable deliveries.
After installation, Pacific TUM quickly saw tangible benefits. First and foremost, the new grader delivered precise weight measurements—ensuring full confidence in every transaction.
“The first key improvement is the accuracy of the fish weights. Now, the weight for each size is 100% accurate. The customer is pleased to receive the correct fish weights and sizes for buying and selling, which directly benefits their business,” says Wongphimaykham.
“Secondly, the process is much faster, and we've significantly reduced labor costs. Previously, we needed 10-12 workers per truck, but now we only require 3-4 for sorting. This not only benefits us but also our customers, all thanks to the implementation of this solution,” he adds.
Echoing these sentiments, Sidam highlights, “After implementing Marel's grader, we have been able to reduce labor costs. In return, we have gained improved accuracy in fish size categorization and weight measurement.”
Moreover, standardized work processes have helped Pacific TUM serve their own customers more effectively. “The benefits of using Marel include increased accuracy in size categorization. Additionally, it helps establish standardized work processes for our customers, enhancing efficiency and enabling us to measure work outcomes. This leads to greater customer satisfaction,” says Phuttha.
By streamlining processes and ensuring consistency, Pacific TUM has not only met immediate challenges but also positioned itself to keep delivering efficient, high-quality service as market demands evolve.
For Marel, partnering with Pacific TUM Cold Storage was about understanding the customer’s unique challenges and goals, and working together to deliver a solution that truly fit their needs. Julien Vidus, Regional Director Sales, Fish Asia and Oceania at Marel, shared his thoughts:
“We are proud of working with Pacific TUM Cold Storage on this project as it is very important for Marel to fully understand our customers' challenges, so we can support them properly by working in close collaboration. Together, we are able to provide an innovative grading solution for frozen tuna, so they can deliver the right tuna size to their customers and fulfill their expectations. I believe this is the first of a long cooperation between our two companies.”
By automating critical processes, improving weight accuracy, and reducing labor needs, Pacific TUM has set the stage for future growth and success in the tuna processing industry. The collaboration with Marel has helped them stay proactive in meeting their customers’ evolving needs—a testament to the power of collaboration and finding the right technology.
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