Marel enhanced Hofseth's salmon processing efficiency with its advanced Salmon Deheader MS 3028

When Norwegian salmon and trout producer Hofseth realized their salmon deheader was no longer supporting their need for efficient and accurate cutting they looked to Marel and the new to market Salmon Deheader MS 3028. The next generation deheader was created specifically for the salmon industry from the proven concept of the Curio Deheader C-3027. The Deheader MS 3028 has adjustments to improve access, optimizing hygiene and maintenance, and a three-knife cutting system, providing clean, accurate cuts that maximize fillet value and ensure trouble free transport through Marel salmon filleting machines.

Always looking towards innovations which will support their goals of providing healthy seafood without compromising people or the planet, in 2023, Norwegian processor Hofseth installed the Marel Filleting machine MS 2750. They knew it was the beginning of a new level of processing efficiency.

While the MS 2750 optimized the filleting process, for Kristina Kasperaviciene, Site Director at Hofseth, it also highlighted issues with their old deheading machine, including damage to the neck portion through poor cutting and line stoppages due to misfeeds. Hofseth began looking for a new deheader that would improve cut quality and maximize the uptime of their salmon processing line.

The right size, in the right place, at the right time
To find the right option, Hofseth visited the Salmon ShowHow in Copenhagen. By happy coincidence, this was the show we showed the prototype Deheader MS 3028, for salmon processors. Presenting it operation with a Marel filleting machine. Their interest piqued; Hofseth arranged a visit to the industry peers using the whitefish model, the precursor to the Deheader MS 3028. From these visits and conversations, the decision was made. And in early January 2025, Hofseth installed the first Deheader MS 3028 into their salmon processing line. Integrating it with the MS 2750 via an automated infeed.

Problems to solve
There were two main issues that Hofseth wanted the Deheader MS 3028 to address, stoppages and cut quality. The infeed between the old deheader and the filleting machine was manual. Line stoppages required the block to be cleared, machines to be cleaned and operators standing idle. With multiple stoppages every hour it slowed down the processing line and created unnecessary stress for all concerned.

Automating the infeed
An automatic infeed seamlessly connects the new Deheader MS 3028 and the MS 2750. Every fish arrives in the correct alignment to maximize filleting accuracy. By automating this task, Hofseth could move their operator to a new position and remove the element of human error that comes with repetitive tasks, dramatically increasing their uptime and production flow. A benefit seen from the very beginning.

When Kristina Kasperaviciene first saw the Deheader MS 3028 at the ShowHow, she knew it offered more than a way to improve production flow.

High value cut quality
The Deheader MS 3028 measures cuts from the eye of the fish to ensure maximize use of valuable raw material, while the three knife system cuts ensures salmon are deheaded cleanly, without tearing or peeling.

Flexible with the same accuracy
By measuring cuts from the eye of the fish, the Deheader can maintain its accuracy when deheading different sizes of fish without having to adjust any equipment.

Numbers are one thing; reliable quality is another
The Deheader MS 3028 has a throughput speed of up to 25 fish a minute and while Hofseth is sure the new deheader and MS 2750 combination will show increased yields over the coming months.

Shifting to the new machine
The introduction of new equipment on the production line will always mean an adjustment and learning period for operators. The plug-and-play, mechanical design of the Deheader MS 3028 keeps this learning curve as easy as possible. With minimal moving parts cleaning is faster and repairs more straightforward as providing low ownership costs to processors.

Impressed
It’s only been a month since Hofseth installed the Deheader MS 3028, but they’re already looking to install another in a second salmon processing line as well as exploring the opportunities of an inline scanner to skin check salmon. When you know you’re onto a good thing, you just know. And Marel is thrilled to be designing solutions that support processors like Hofseth in achieving their goals of a more sustainable industry.

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