For many food producers—especially small and medium-sized businesses—automation can feel like a daunting leap. The idea of replacing manual processes with machines might sound expensive, complex, or even disruptive. But in reality, automation is more accessible, scalable, and beneficial than ever before.
Where do you start? How much will it cost? Will it really pay off?
This guide offers clear, practical steps to help food manufacturers begin their automation journey with confidence.
Why Automation Matters in Food Manufacturing
Automation isn’t just about speeding things up. It’s about building a smarter, more resilient production line. Here’s why more food manufacturers are investing in automation:
- Improved food safety and hygiene – Machines reduce human contact with food, lowering the risk of contamination
- Consistent product quality – Automated systems ensure uniformity in size, weight, and appearance.
- Reduced labour dependency – Especially important in times of labour shortages or rising wage costs.
- Lower operational costs – Over time, automation reduces waste, downtime, and energy use
- Scalability – Automated systems can grow with your business, adapting to increased demand.
Having a focused objective helps you choose the right technologies and justify the investment.
Step 1. Start with a Clear Goal
Before you invest in equipment or technology, define why you want to automate. Common goals include:
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Increasing production speed
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Reducing human error
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Ensuring food safety and hygiene
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Lowering labor costs
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Improving consistency
Step 2: Identify Your Bottlenecks
Start by evaluating your current production process. Where are the slowdowns, inconsistencies, or quality issues? Common areas that benefit from automation include:
- Clipping and sealing (e.g., sausages, bakery bags)
- Stuffing and portioning (e.g., meat, dough, fillings)
- Packaging and labelling
- Inspection and quality control
Even automating one of these steps can lead to measurable improvements in output and efficiency.
Step 3: Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t need to automate your entire factory overnight. Many of our clients begin with a semi-automatic machine or a single workstation upgrade. Once they see the benefits—faster output, fewer errors, and happier staff—it becomes easier to justify further investment.
This modular approach also allows you to test and refine your processes before scaling up.
Step 4. Understand the ROI: A UK Pet Food Manufacturer's Experience
Investing in automation can yield significant returns, as demonstrated by GA Pet Food Partners, a leading UK-based pet food manufacturer. The company invested over £80 million in automating its Ingredients Kitchen, incorporating technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), high-bay storage systems, and robotic case erectors. This strategic move led to a 30% increase in output and a 15% improvement in extrusion uptime, all achieved without increasing the workforce.
This example illustrates how automation not only enhances efficiency and scalability but also maintains high-quality standards, offering a compelling return on investment for food manufacturers.
Step 5. Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls
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Over-automating too soon: Trying to do too much at once can strain budgets and training.
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Skipping staff training: Ensure your team knows how to operate and maintain new equipment.
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Ignoring maintenance needs: Keep spare parts in stock and schedule regular servicing.
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Choosing the wrong supplier: Work with a trusted partner who offers quality parts, expert advice, and fast delivery
Conclusion
Automation in food manufacturing doesn’t have to be intimidating. By starting with a clear goal, selecting the right processes, and understanding your potential return on investment, small and medium food producers can improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability—without breaking the bank.
Partnering with the right supplier makes all the difference. At Hasuka Automation, we specialize in sourcing new, obsolete, and hard-to-find industrial automation components from trusted global brands. With same-day shipping on thousands of in-stock items and expert sourcing support, we’re committed to helping you streamline your operations and stay competitive in a fast-moving industry. We also offer a range of automation machines tailored to your specific production needs, from packaging solutions to processing systems, to further enhance your efficiency.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to Hasuka Automation today and let’s build smarter, more efficient systems—together.
References:
Food Processing Technology, 2023. How automation is reshaping food manufacturing. [online] Available at: https://www.foodprocessing-technology.com/features/automation-food-manufacturing/
McKinsey & Company, 2023. Smart manufacturing and the productivity imperative. [online] Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/smart-manufacturing-and-the-productivity-imperative
Food Engineering Magazine, 2023. Key considerations for food industry automation. [online] Available at: https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/100356-key-considerations-for-food-industry-automation
Rockwell Automation, 2023. ROI Strategies for Food and Beverage Automation. [online] Available at: https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/company/news/blogs/roi-strategies-for-food-and-beverage-automation.html
Logistics Matters, 2023. World-class automation project in the UK pet food industry. [online] Available at: https://www.logisticsmatters.co.uk/World-class-automation-project-petfood