Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: Wisconsin companies that develop and manufacture advanced food processing systems and equipment may find opportunities to collaborate.
The food processing industry in the Netherlands is turning to automation and robotics to stay ahead as a labor shortage looms.
In a country known for its innovation—the Netherlands ranked No. 4 among European Union nations in the European Innovation Scoreboard 2024—it is not surprising that technology is in the forefront. However, one major reason for the switch is an increasing labor shortage that is holding back expansion plans for some food processing companies and forcing them to consider new solutions.
The workforce in the food industry is getting older; about one of every four employees is over 55, according to ING research, and as many as one of every seven will retire by 2030. Meanwhile, fewer young people are entering the industry.
RaboResearch surveyed more than 20 midsize Dutch food producers and found that all of them are considering investing in robotics or have already done so. Most often, they cited staff shortages as the primary reason, RaboResearch said in a July 2024 report. Other reasons included increased productivity, reduced production costs, decreased energy use, and more consistent product quality.
Automation can also help companies reach sustainability goals by minimizing food waste and conserving resources. For example, quality control powered by artificial intelligence can pinpoint early mistakes and avoid unnecessary waste within a product line. Also, robotic packaging lines can use more precise portions, using less material and therefore, reducing the environmental impact.
RaboResearch also said robotics used for safety inspections or cleaning tasks could improve employees’ work satisfaction level.
The biggest concerns by food processors are that automation will require adjusting production processes and that staff will need to be trained to use the robots, the report said.
However, as automation helps fuel competitiveness, the demand for advanced food processing machinery will rise, presenting opportunities for Wisconsin companies with expertise and high-tech solutions in the industry.
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