SBAG upgrades pork processing with M-Line robotics

Based in picturesque northeastern Switzerland, Schlachtbetrieb St. Gallen AG—better known simply as SBAG—has spent decades supplying high-quality meat to diverse markets. Founded in 1974 as a joint venture of several slaughterhouses, SBAG’s focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation has been the key to staying competitive in a demanding industry. Today, with a freshly upgraded pork processing line featuring Marel’s cutting-edge M-Line robots, SBAG is ready for their next chapter of growth and success.

We spoke with Christian Schär, (Managing Director), Paul Rutz (Production Manager) and Martin Verdonk (Engineering Manager) about the transformation, the challenges and goals driving it, and what makes their partnership with Marel one that’s built to last.

Upgrading from the F-Line to the M-Line after 20 years

SBAG’s pork processing facility, opened in Bazenheid in 2005, was originally designed to handle 550,000 pigs annually. Today, it processes around 700,000 pigs per year, at a capacity of 340 pigs per hour.

At its launch, the facility was equipped with a cutting-edge F-Line robotic system from Stork (later part of Marel), which delivered reliable performance for two decades. 
Now, as SBAG continues to grow and evolve, the company has once again partnered with Marel to take the next step forward—with a future-ready upgrade to the advanced M-Line robotic platform. “The task was to replace the 20-year-old F-Line Stork machines,” said Schär. “20 years in between—that’s a quantum leap!”

Modern industry pressures demand smart Automation

Like most meat processors in Switzerland, SBAG faces mounting pressure from multiple angles. “Our requirements for quality are constantly increasing. And the hygiene regulations are already high, and are getting higher,” explains Schär. “And we also have a labor shortage that concerns us.”

Receiving pork from many different regions and origins, there are also a lot of labels to keep up with to ensure compliance and food safety. “We must ensure seamless traceability. The entire documentation is very important to us.”

Schär adds, “And what might also be special for us, compared to abroad, is that we have a wider range of pig weights—from 60 kg to the largest at 120 kg. That places high demands on the automation of the line.”

Combine these challenges with aging equipment and reduced parts availability, and the case for investing in a modernized system becomes clear. Upgrading to Marel’s M-Line robotics was the logical next step to ensure next-level product quality, efficiency, work safety, and a reliable supply of spare parts.

A closer look at the M-Line pork processing Robotics

SBAG installed four new M-Line robots at Bazenheid. Together, they automate pork primary processing, while enhancing product quality, reducing the risk of contamination, and ensuring a safer work environment. 

M-Line Pre-Cutter and Belly Opener (MPB)
The MPB divides the pelvic bone, separates the ham, opens the belly, and cuts the breastbone. This streamlines production and supports SBAG’s strict food safety standards.

M-Line Bung Remover (MBR)
By automating one of the most delicate steps—loosening the bung—the MBR delivers unmatched consistency while further minimizing contamination risk.

M-Line Leaf Lard Remover (MLR)
The MLR automates the physically demanding task of leaf lard removal with precision cutting, helping SBAG protect valuable meat and ease strenuous workloads.

M-Line Splitting Saw TT (MSS-TT)
The newest addition to the M-Line is the MSS-TT—a revolutionary pork splitting saw designed for high-capacity, high-precision processing. Capable of handling over 900 pigs per hour, it combines AI-powered vision for adaptive cutting with Marel’s patented TwinTool technology for superior hygiene.

Compact, versatile, and digitally connected, the MSS-TT integrates seamlessly into any plant layout, setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in primary processing.

All M-Line robots have SmartBase connectivity.

Real results: Reliability, labor savings, and accuracy

For SBAG, the difference between the old F-Line and the new M-Line was immediate. “Now we’ve had the M-Line for a few months, it’s such a big improvement,” says Verdonk. “The M-Line just runs and runs. It doesn't stop. No disruptions.”

Labor savings have also been a big deal. Rutz emphasizes that the M-Line’s precision has directly reduced labor requirements on the processing line. “With the new M-Lines, we have saved five personnel. And that’s because the M-Line works so precisely—about 99.5%. If something does come up, the employee handles it, and it’s no problem.”

The Leaf Lard Remover, in particular, has cut down on manual trimming and improved the overall hygiene of the process. “It works so cleanly. Previously, we had to work the meat at the bottom for further processing. That’s no longer necessary,” says Rutz.

Elevating quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction

Beyond operational ease, SBAG has brought product quality to a new level with precision cutting and hygiene. 

“The overall slaughter quality has massively increased due to the M-Lines,” says Rutz, who was surprised by their precision when he first saw them in action. “I mean, we’re dealing with nature, and nature always varies a bit. But how it's corrected by the M-Lines—I find that sensational.”

“I can say we’re the best in Switzerland in terms of slaughter quality,” Rutz says, adding that customers have been “extremely enthusiastic” about the results.

Creating a better workplace with improved ergonomics

Rutz notes that other equipment from Marel, such as the stabilization conveyor, has made work more ergonomic and comfortable for the workers. “It makes the work on the line very simple and more pleasant. It’s great for the people, and also later for the product itself.” 

With fewer workers needed on the line, the bar has been raised for employee skill level. The team was quick to credit the staff for their hard work and making the transition a success. “I’m glad we have such skilled people who’ve been here for a long time. It’s not just me who should be mentioned, but also the people who do this work every day. They do a very good job, work together, and really contribute.”

Long-term service and support are crucial

Behind the smooth transition is a partnership built on decades of mutual trust. Marel’s service team doesn’t just step in when something needs fixing—they work proactively to fine-tune each system, ensuring every piece of technology performs at its best.

“If there’s a problem, help is provided. Definitely,” said Rutz. “When someone from Marel is in the building, you can always ask questions. I find they have a very high level of knowledge, not just about the technology, but about the entire process. I’m always happy when someone from Marel is here.” 

For Schär, Marel’s long-term approach is crucial. “This is a long-term business, and we expect the same from our partnerships. We don’t buy new lines every year, right? So, the support that comes with it is really important.”

Verdonk appreciates that Marel has everything under one roof, meaning he can call just one number for any type of problem—mechanical, electrical, or software—and get support. “Day or night, there’s always someone there. 24/7.”

Ready for the future

With the M-Line fully operational and delivering the performance SBAG hoped for, the partnership between SBAG and Marel remains stronger than ever. Higher output, better quality, fewer labor demands, and a more ergonomically friendly environment all add up to a lasting advantage in a highly competitive market.

SBAG’s leadership sees this upgrade as another step toward remaining Switzerland’s best in pork processing—proving that when trust, technology, and teamwork come together, the results can indeed be a quantum leap forward.