Ko-Fwu Fishes Cooperation transforming fish processing in Taiwan

Guarantee Liability Yun-Lin County KO-FWU Fishes Cooperation (Kouhu Fisheries) has been supplying local and international markets with high-quality, processed fish products since 1997, including tilapia, salmon and mackerel. Ko-Fwu is dedicated to transforming the fish processing industry in Taiwan, by embracing the advantages of automation they have succeeded in increasing their market share and setting themselves up for a strong future as a leader in the fish processing industry. 

Optimizing yield and increasing profits with an automated salmon production line

For more than a decade Ko-Fwu and Marel have enjoyed a strong relationship, working closely together to optimize salmon production through increased automation. To meet Ko-Fwu’s specific production needs, Marel tailored two salmon processing lines. The first line was installed in 2015 and the second in 2022. The increased automation of both lines has optimized Ko-Fwu’s salmon processing with a number of solutions. 

The processing lines 

The whole salmon begins at the Deheading table MS 2510. Deheaded fish are transferred by the PaceInfeeder to the Tail Cutter which makes the optimal cut to remove the tail. The salmon is now ready for filleting. The system automatically manages workflow without human contact, keeping contamination minimized and throughput consistent. 

The Filleting Machine 2730 efficiently fillets and trims the back and belly. Its accuracy increases the yield and quality of every fish. On the active trimming line operators make any necessary final trimming. Fillets move into the Pinbone Remover MS 2612, further optimizing production by gently and quickly removing pinbones while leaving the fillet intact.

General Manager, Mr Yi-Feng Wang, is already looking to the future possibilities of advanced technology to make a more sustainable and profitable business. “Our company’s new vision is to incorporate more advanced automated processing equipment to increase our production capacity and market share in Taiwan. We are also planning to build a second tilapia processing line of production with AI and carbon reduction. We will continue to buy more Marel machines and use them on the production line of our products." 

The Marel team looks forward to a long and exciting partnership with Ko-Fwu, bringing the benefits of automation and digitalization to the Taiwan fish processing industry. 

More about Ko-Fwu 

Guarantee Liability Yun-Lin County KO-FWU Fishes Cooperation (Kouhu Fisheries) was established in 1997 as a tilapia processor. Over the years their portfolio has expanded to include the processing of fresh salmon and frozen mackerel from Norway, to supply major chain stores, department stores, and upscale restaurants. In addition to steadily developing export markets and advancing technology use in fish processing in Taiwan, Ko-Fwu remains committed to the sustainability of the tilapia industry, working in close collaboration with Taiwan's leading aquaculture research institutions and receiving strong support from the government. Ko-Fwu has successfully obtained international certifications (such as EU, HACCP, ASC, BAP).