Improving processing effectiveness and reducing OT costs at Farbest Foods (Jasper, IN) with DeLong’s Multi-Purpose Skinner (MPS)
Category: Machinery, MPS
Case Study – Farbest Foods
About Farbest Foods
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Jasper, Indiana, Farbest Foods is one of the largest turkey producers in the United States. The company supplies raw, fresh, and frozen turkey products to food processors and retailers worldwide. As a vertically integrated operation, Farbest manages everything from growing turkeys to processing and distribution, ensuring top-tier quality and consistency at every stage.
Learn more about Farbest Foods: https://farbestfoods.com//
The Challenge
Farbest Foods was looking to improve the efficiency of silver skin removal on tenderloins in their turkey processing operations. The existing process required significant manual labor and often led to increased labor costs due to overtime and rework needed. With growing production demands and the need to control costs, they sought a solution that would:
- Reduce labor-intensive processing steps
- Minimize equipment downtime and maintenance issues
- Improve overall line efficiency and output
The Partnership
With a long-standing relationship with Delong’s, Farbest reached out to DeLong’s to explore alternative equipment solutions. Initial attempts using different rollers did not resolve the tenderloin silver skin removal issue. After a thorough assessment of the Farbest processing environment and challenges, DeLong’s began collaborating closely with their team to engineer a better solution tailored to their needs.
The Solution
To meet Farbest’s processing goals, DeLong’s introduced the Multi-Purpose Skinner (MPS)—a highly adaptable machine designed to streamline multiple aspects of poultry processing. Unlike standard equipment limited to specific cuts, the MPS is engineered for flexibility, capable of efficiently skinning or defatting a wide range of products, including drumsticks, thighs, breasts, and more, for both chicken and turkey. In Farbest’s case, the MPS was particularly effective at removing additional silver skin, helping improve product quality while significantly reducing manual labor.
To further support operational efficiency, DeLong’s implemented a custom safety interlock that prevents the machine from running without an active water supply, reducing the risk of damage and unnecessary maintenance. Additionally, lid modifications were made to improve chute clearance and simplify cleaning, supporting the plant’s sanitation standards. This combination of performance and adaptability has made the MPS a valuable asset in Farbest’s production line—boosting throughput, improving safety, and streamlining day-to-day operations.
Learn more about the MPS: https://delongs.com/multi-purpose-skinners/
The Results
Following the installation of the Multi-Purpose Skinner, Farbest achieved:
- 92% effectiveness in tenderloin silver skin removal
- Reduction of overtime hours
- Improved safety–ergonomics with installation
- No negative impact on yield, with improved workflow and operator safety
As of 2024, Farbest Foods is among the top turkey producers in the United States, processing approximately 608 million pounds of turkey annually. This positions the company as the fourth-largest turkey producer in the nation, following Butterball, Jennie-O, and Cargill Protein, according to AgriMarketing.com
Upon installation, the Delong’s MPS immediately performed as planned. Installation was simple with good support from their team. Labor savings were seen immediately, with improved ergonomics for our team, positively impacting our employees' safety.
Looking Ahead
With improved operational efficiency and reduced labor costs, Farbest now considers DeLong’s a trusted partner in their ongoing success. As they continue to scale and innovate, they look to DeLong’s for reliable, high-performance equipment and expert support tailored to the evolving needs of the poultry processing industry.
About DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment
DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment was founded in 1967 and is the leading global manufacturer of poultry processing equipment, specializing in precision-engineered rollers and solutions for poultry and gizzard processing. Known for their industry expertise, DeLong’s products meet or exceed industry standards for all major brands of processing equipment, making them the trusted choice in gizzard and poultry production.
Learn more about DeLong’s: https://delongs.com/