Healthy, meat-free diet
ifm sensors ensure the quality of vegan meat substitute products
Reduced set-up time | Real-time maintenance | Sustainable, high-quality products |
Results
- Ensured compliance with nutritional specifications, quality and safety standards
- Future-proof wiring and automation concept
- Easy evaluation of RTM and OEE
- Shorter commissioning times without an in-house engineering department
The challenge
The rise of plant-based foods means that more and more companies are venturing into the market. But not all substitute products are the same: depending on how they are produced, processed and consumed, they can have health and environmental benefits or drawbacks. While the products reduce the climate-damaging consumption of meat, excessive and ill-considered consumption can lead to a lack of nutrients that are only found in animal products. Many of these foods are also highly processed and contain many additives. They therefore do not meet the recommendations for a balanced and healthy diet.
Our customer’s approach has been to produce plant-based foods using only a few regional and non-genetically modified ingredients. From product development to market readiness, the company built an entirely new production site that had to meet the high food quality standards.

The solution – why ifm?
ifm was involved at a very early stage in the planning phase. Together with the customer, the commissioned engineering offices and the commissioning department, a design for a modern and networked production facility was developed.
It resulted in a future-proof wiring concept based on IO-Link, which enables the automation of all relevant processes such as grinding, mincing, blanching, cooking and packaging.
Due to the high demand for the company’s products, it was very important to be able to start production as quickly as possible. By using a complete solution from ifm, consisting of wiring, sensors and controller, the lead and construction times could be significantly reduced, resulting in a much faster commissioning of the plant.
The ifm solution makes the evaluation of individual OEE key figures and real-time maintenance a child’s play. Moreover, ifm supported the customer with training and technical service. As a result, the growing demand for plant-based products can now be met, which contributes to a more sustainable and healthier diet.
