Ramón Ventulà deploys new meat slicing and packaging line from GEA

Spanish ham and sausages producer Ramón Ventulà has installed a new slicing and packaging line from Germany-based technology supplier GEA.

Valued at more than €1m, the contract sees GEA supply its DualSlicer II 1200 slicer, along with its new GEA PowerPak PLUS thermoformer and associated control equipment to Ramón Ventulà.

GEA claims that its equipment will offer the Spanish company flexibility, control and productivity to enhance its range of products and enter new markets.

GEA Slicing and Loading senior product manager Norbert Brunnquell said: “Each part of the line is perfectly matched and synchronised with each other to create a seamless process that is efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable in today’s market.”

Ramón Ventulà has been in the meat business since 1950 and it currently operates four manufacturing plants that produce 5,000tpa of food.

Its portfolio includes 90 separate products such as bacon, Catalan cured fuet and chorizo sausage, which is available in 750 packaging formats.

Ramón Ventulà noted that the deployment is part of its plan to improve yields and efficiency, as well as minimise downtime and packing materials. The new equipment brings together features such as scanning, slicing and thermoforming technology.

Ramón Ventulà managing director Pilar Ventulà said: “Making the traditional Catalonian and Spanish sausages starts with selecting the best quality raw materials then putting them together in a meticulous process. This requires us to employ precise and reliable process technology.”

Last March, GEA secured a contract worth more than €3m to build a large olive oil mill in Saudi Arabia.

The order from the National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) also requires GEA to supply industrial equipment for the facility.