DGS and Locks: Automation in Meat Processing

Succes Story

With eight different locations in Belgium, Belgian Pork Group is a major player in both the national and international pork market. One of these locations is Locks, situated in the industrial area of Ghent, where pork is processed and frozen in various ways. To future-proof the company, a few years ago, they opted for extensive automation. DGS was brought in for three critical components: intralogistics, the plate freezing department, and a repacking line for boxes.

2025, Belgium

Future-proofed through automation

The vision for the collaboration was clear, says plant manager Glenn Desimpel: “Our absolute focus was on quality, speed, and efficiency, driven by advanced automation. That was the core of the project.” This vision is directly reflected in the intralogistics. Where previously many forklifts were required, now only two are needed to load and unload trucks. The rest of the pallet logistics is fully automated, including weighing, scanning, and wrapping. An innovative pallet crusher ensures that layers are tightly compressed on the pallets, resulting in more efficient space utilization.

The new repacking line also operates autonomously. This line was developed to merge multiple small pallets into one large pallet, ensuring optimal loading.

Increased efficiency and productivity

As a specialist in frozen products, Locks also invested in an innovative plate freezing line, provided by DGS. The line includes a hopper with a dolav tipper for freezer loading, frozen block transport, and block palletizing. During palletizing, pallets are automatically stacked and fitted with a base sheet, while robots add foil between layers.

Thanks to this extensive automation, the entire line is operated by a limited number of operators per shift. With an impressive output of 100 to 120 tons per week, efficiency has significantly increased. Moreover, product quality is excellent, according to Glenn: “Plate frozen products are rare in Belgium, and our customers are incredibly satisfied with our pallets. We’ve proven that we can set a new industry standard.”

Surprisingly Smooth Collaboration

Initially, the transition to automation was a daunting step for Locks. The big question was whether the changeover would go smoothly. However, now that all systems are running, all doubts have been dispelled. “Honestly, the collaboration with DGS exceeded expectations. We received great support, thorough training, and DGS made it clear from the start that we were not just a number, but a valued client they were willing to invest in. From day one until now, I can’t find anything to criticize about the partnership,” concludes Glenn.