Manual LEAP III for Small to Small Medium Australian Processors

Summary

This project will enable MLA and Scott to ascertain how an entry-level manual measure single tower Leap III can be made cost-effective to benefit smaller throughput (up to 5cpm) processors and hence increase the previous MLA investment in Leap III to a wider Australian processor base.

The design of a manual measure Leap III system was presented to a number of processors, with positive feedback being received from all - they each saw the benefits for the small to small/medium-sized processor and also saw it as a way of introducing automation to larger processors that are hesitant about investing in fully automated systems.

Objectives

1. Conceptually designed and priced option(s) for a manual measure single automated primal tower Leap III, including an expected cost benefit based on existing Greenleaf reports and belief of the percentage of benefits retained by the manual measure system.
2. Feedback from five processors (Selected by MLA) on why they would or would not buy the concept (after item 1 is completed).

Key findings

In feedback from processors, the immediate impact on the meat industry is that a Manual Leap III System will allow smaller processors to introduce technology to their site without having to invest in a full blown X-Ray system. With this technology introduced there is potential that in the future the processors invest further with an x-ray module replacing the manual measuring station, and/or a second tower being added if the processors throughput also increases to over 5 cpm. In addition it is felt that this entry model may also be a good way for the larger processors, who are still not engaging in the full automated system to try a smaller version of the system before committing to a fully automated solution.

Benefits to industry

The LEAP III (primal) and IV (middle) systems have been extensively evaluated via independent ex ante and ex post cost/benefit analyses. Benefits of between $4.50 - $5.60 per head through precise cutting lines and processing efficiencies have been identified, mainly via labour productivity, yield improvements and increased boning room throughput and efficiency. There has been some difficulty in encouraging processors to adopt these systems due to the large capital costs associated with installation. A low end cost efficient LEAP III will extend the market for this technology, and allow those processors to upgrade to a full LEAP III x-ray system as and when required or justified.

MLA action

Currently, in parallel to this project a Scott : MLA 50:50 project is completing the build of a demonstration unit using the Pure Manual concept.

Future research

Currently, in parallel to this project a Scott : MLA 50:50 project is completing the build of a demonstration unit using the Pure Manual concept.

Hence in addition, due to the positive feedback received from processors as part of this, it is recommended that a project be proposed and
approved to transport the system around to various processors for demonstration.