Partnership built on a shared passion for quality and innovation
Located just outside of Bergen, Sotra is a primary and secondary processor of salmon and trout. Its facility has a yearly capacity of 30,000 tons of high-quality seafood, supplying customers both in Norway and across the globe, including Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. With a shared passion for quality and innovative technology, Sotra and Marel have worked in partnership for more than two decades.
Increasing capacity, efficiency and sustainability
In 2023, Sotra sought to increase capacity and efficiency in their filleting department. Rather than upgrading their existing equipment, which wouldn’t be cost-effective, they explored new solutions, opting to trial the MS 2750 at their facilities. “Sotra carried out a very thorough test with fish of all kinds of sizes, both pre- and post-rigor. Nothing was left out and not tested,” explains Kristian Hybertz Christensen, Product Specialist Filleting at Marel.
Following this extensive testing, Sotra concluded that the new Marel MS 2750 was the best choice. “We had the machine on site and tested it and compared it with other machines it was up against, and we were surprised how well it performed,” says Oystein Noremark, Department Manager Filleting at Sotra. The MS 2750 not only excelled in yield and throughput but also stood out as the most environmentally friendly machine on the market, using less water and power than its competitors. Trond Helge Nygaard, CEO of Sotra, adds that size was also a consideration: “Due to the small footprint of the machine, we could easily fit it into our existing building.”
MS 2750: A game-changer in filleting technology
The MS 2750 is Marel’s fourth-generation filleting machine, a revolutionary development for high-yield filleting of salmon and trout weighing between 1.5 and 10 kilograms. Designed to reduce labor dependence and enhance sustainability, its modular design integrates seamlessly into full lines to process up to 25 fish per minute in a steady flow without operator input. It incorporates Marel’s latest technology to maximize raw material utilization while dramatically reducing water use, using an exceptionally low 15 liters of water per minute. This innovation not only boosts operational efficiency but also aligns with Sotra’s commitment to sustainable practices.
This advanced filleting line, in addition to a new SmartLine Grader solution for whole fish, equip Sotra with cutting-edge technology, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of sustainable and efficient seafood processing. This investment underscores Sotra’s commitment to quality, positioning them to meet the demands of a growing global market.
