Sanitary Bacon Draft Packaging System Eliminates Headaches

As food trends continue to evolve, consumers continue to turn their interest to quality, fresh retail packaged bacon. In fact, in the U.S., fresh retail packaged bacon accounts for 22.5% of all processed meat sales dollars (IRI). From 2023-2028, the bacon market is expected to show a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% (IMARC Group). Keeping up with this growth and staying ahead of inflation can present multiple challenges for bacon producers, including labor gaps, integration and food safety concerns. To address these problems, the Harrier bacon draft loading system automatically and hygienically packages bacon in a small footprint while maximizing yields on your line.  

Listen to one of our bacon customers discuss why they chose JLS^® for automatic bacon draft packaging. Click below for testimonial video. 

Enhance Bacon Draft Packaging with Precision Loading and Custom Tooling

The Harrier automatically loads freshly sliced retail bacon drafts into thermoformers. This solution simplifies integration and reduces the floorspace required for automated bacon packaging by replacing the typical complex series of conveyors and devices that are often used for this process.

An air-cylinder-actuated servo finger beneath the pick conveyor lifts the flat bacon L-board flap to prefold it; the patent-pending mechanical, cylinder-actuated gripper tooling then seats the bacon draft. The folded draft is rotated 180 degrees and articulated down into the thermoformer pocket with precision. Drafts can also be loaded onto a pattern loading board of a thermoformer designed for fresh retail bacon packaging.  

The Harrier is a versatile solution that also easily handles carrier board-type packages as well as those without a board. One system handles all your freshly sliced bacon packaging needs. 

Achieve Your Most Sanitary Bacon Draft Packaging Yet 

A recall can not only jeopardize your business but also puts lives on the line. That’s why ensuring the food safety of your bacon product is paramount. At JLS, our automated bacon draft packaging systems support the plant’s sanitation and food-handling requirements and are designed for the most stringent applications. The Harrier features hygienic, IP69K-rated delta robots on a round-tube frame (standard), with an open-channel frame option available. The system features tool-less disassembly of all tooling and conveyors for easy cleaning and sanitation. 

Are you ready to reduce labor, increase throughput and food safety, improve your package quality and increase profits? 

A Fully Customized Bacon Draft Line with Best-In-Class Solutions

Need a complete bacon draft packaging system? No problem. Our capabilities include integrated systems featuring best-in-class suppliers. Check out this video to see some of our partners.  

We take full responsibility from primary loading through end-of-line operation. From start to finish, our PMP-certified project management team handles it all. Bacon draft packaging solutions by JLS include integration of both JLS and 3rd party equipment. Our team handles it all with a single purchase order for your entire packaging line all the way through FAT in our York, PA facility and commissioning in your facility.