David Wilson - Group President, Foodmate
Ever-increasing demand for automated poultry processing solutions is driving Foodmate’s ability to innovate. “When I joined the company a year and a half ago, I saw really quickly that we have a front-end leading technology. This gives Foodmate an exceptionally strong international market position.”
David Wilson - Group President
Foodmate, headquartered in Numansdorp, is an organization which is actively embracing and capturing opportunities for growth while navigating the challenges of bringing new technology to the market. “I have to admit, even though I was familiar with Foodmate, I didn’t realize that their outstanding technology gives them a leading market position”, says President David Wilson. “Finding solutions alongside our customers and colleagues is very rewarding. It creates a lot of energy.”
Foodmate has known its ups and downs. So how are things right now?
“After managing through a challenging market environment since August 2023, we are now seeing a strong rebound in the global poultry processing industry. When high feed prices and declining demand for finished product put pressure on our customers, we felt that too. But this past Spring the situation flipped. Now that our customers are making profits again, they are reinvesting in new solutions. We are seeing this reflected in our order book. We are approaching our targets, and the future looks extremely bright.”
In addition to Numansdorp (NL), branches in the US, Brazil, Poland, and the UK soon followed. What is the secret behind your rapid international growth?
“Our technology is key, especially when it comes to deboning leg meat, which traditionally was a lower-valued product. We designed and developed new automation systems, including the “Ultimate”: a pioneering solution that uses X-ray imaging to optimize the deboning process. This increases the value of whole legs. Such innovations drive our growth.”
Is that why customers are choosing Foodmate?
“Absolutely. For us, it’s about making sure we deliver unrivaled integrated solutions and service. It’s about creating long-term partnerships with customers so we drive value for them and ensure that we have a sustainable future for all.”
What innovations can we still expect?
“We recently launched a solution that can debone drumsticks and thighs separately, offering our customers new value-added opportunities. We have also developed a ‘big bird’ white meat deboning solution: automated equipment for processing US chickens, which are almost twice the size of European chickens. On the software front, we are working on real-time feedback systems. This allows customers to directly monitor and adjust their equipment. The purpose? To optimize operations using data.”
Your mission is to innovate, automate, and bring cost-effective solutions to the industry. How do you guys do that?
“Good question. We listen to our customers and understand the needs that they have and their outlook on the market and the future. And we innovate forward with them. We don’t just look at what’s needed in one or two years, as that’s not innovation; We’re looking five to ten years ahead to see where the market is moving. One of the biggest challenges in the poultry processing industry in the coming years is the labor shortage, which greatly increases demand for automation.”
How do you see Foodmate’s growth and development in the medium to long term?
“We are aiming for growth in three directions. First, we are expanding our product range and exploring new geographical markets, including our services. We are also looking at strategic acquisitions to fill technological gaps and strengthen our market position. Internally, we are fully committed to operational excellence. These actions are driving our quantum leap to the next level.”
You are part of Duravant. What role do they play in day-to-day operations?
“Duravant supports us on all fronts and relies upon us to manage daily operations and decisions. They are our link to investors and provide valuable resources, especially in supply chain management. Their commitment and quick decision-making are pluses. What’s more, being part of a larger group offers opportunities for employees, organic growth and acquisitions.”
If you had to sum up your corporate culture in three key words, which ones would you choose?
“Dynamic, innovative and customer-oriented. Our company features a flat hierarchy, and we encourage open, direct communication, and that means we’re building a culture of trust, partnership and personal growth.”
What makes Foodmate an appealing place to work?
“First, the industry itself – the food and poultry industry is always fascinating! Once people get into it, they rarely want to get out again. We also offer a supportive environment with great colleagues and a modern workspace. We encourage personal development through training, leadership development and intercompany projects. After all, our people are the driving force behind our success.”
Do you want to take the next step? Then contact us.
Photograph: John Dijkgraaf
[Published: October 2024]
