Bird Bros is poised to enhance its operational efficiency with the introduction of advanced equipment aimed at streamlining washing, packing, and pallet stacking processes. The company has already implemented a cutting-edge Unifortes pallet washer and plans to integrate a new case packer robot in January.
Furthermore, February will mark the arrival of an Endoline Robotics palletiser, which will significantly boost productivity while enhancing precision and efficiency across the factory floor.
Matt Bird, commercial director at Bird Bros, acknowledged the company’s growth, stating: “Our family business began with one hen house on farmland in Swineshead – fast forward 50 years and here we are installing cutting-edge robotics as we supply up to five million eggs a week across the UK.”
Solar Powered Innovations
This new technology will largely rely on solar units, which collectively generate over 800kw of clean energy, effectively reducing electricity costs and dependency on non-renewable sources.
“This million-pound tech investment will be a game-changer when it comes to improving efficiency,” Bird added. “As well as reducing wastewater, the pallet washer means we’ll no longer be jet-washing by hand, and the robots will help to create a safer working environment by reducing heavy lifting and repetitive work while allowing us to upskill our people in other areas.”
Bird Bros’ latest investments in automation are part of its multi-million-pound ‘Vision 2028’ strategy. This initiative aims to phase out colony cage egg production over the next four years, with a goal of complete cessation by the end of 2028.
Towards Full Automation
Over the past four years, Bird Bros has made significant strides toward fully automating its production line. In 2021, the installation of four new case erectors from Endoline Automation led to a 10% increase in efficiency.
These case erectors, measuring 1 meter by 2 meters—half the size of traditional models—are ideally suited for the Bird Bros factory’s limited floor space. This enhancement followed the earlier installation of two MOBA MR-12 dual robot loading cells in late 2020.
In a related development, Unilever’s largest UK food factory in Burton has undergone a transformative five-year period, following a £40m investment that consolidates its UK condiments production into one specialized hub.
