Cost benefit analysis of the LEAP III primal cutter and X-ray system

An independent cost/benefit analysis has been completed on the LEAP III Primal Cutter and X-ray System, comparing this technology to manual cutting systems.

The analysis was conducted to:

• Establish a generic benchmark for the value opportunity that exists for automated primal cutting systems when compared to existing manual cutting techniques.
• Develop a value benefit analysis outlining the main drivers for adoption of the equipment for Australian lamb processing plants.

Data was collected from two Australian lamb processing plants using two different manual primal cutting approaches, and one New Zealand processing plant where LEAP III is in commercial use.

The primary financial benefit of the LEAP III Primal Cutter and X-ray System is improvement in yield. However, other benefits including reductions in full time labour and training costs, improvements in safety, product quality and production rates all contribute to the potential return on equipment investment.

Benefits identified with the use of the automated equipment as compared to the manual cutting systems included improved retail value of carcasses through technical advantages provided by the cutting system including:

• Increased yield for boneless loin
• Yield gains through reduced bandsaw dust
• Increased shelf life

Individual benefits are shown below.