Automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging
You want clean labels, fast changeovers, and steady uptime. You also want labels that stay put in cold, damp rooms. You need a system that keeps pace with your line, because every minute matters. Our automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging helps you do all of this, so your team ships perfect trays on time.
Quadrel Labeling Systems builds proven equipment for tough food plants. We design for speed, washdown, and accuracy. We also make setup simple, so operators run with confidence. Because you work under strict rules, we include tools that support traceability and clear date codes. Therefore, you protect your brand and your customers.
This high-quality system features a top-mounted label applicator. This equipment is capable of applying a 3-panel label to shrink-wrapped packages of pasta or other prepared foods.
Dual redundant applicators with automatic crossover provide non-stop labeling of leading top and bottom panels on clamshell containers. This system is controlled by Allen Bradley PLC.
This economically priced labeling system applies top and wraparound labels to plastic, tapered containers at speeds up to 60 ppm and features Allen Bradley PLC control and color touchscreen operator interface.
This custom system is designed specifically for the irregular surface of poultry packages. This system is very heavy duty, features PLC control, color touchscreen and 304 stainless steel construction, necessary in a food environment.
The ProLine labeling system is designed for the most demanding environments. It is particularly well-suited for food environments, featuring overhead mounted electronics and 14-inch clearance below, making cleanup easy.
This custom labeling system is designed specifically to apply bottom labels on clamshells or other prepared food containers. Ideal for use in bakeries, meat packagers, etc. Additional features include all stainless steel construction, PLC control and color touchscreen.
This labeling system is ideal for pre-packaged food containers such as clamshells, and shrink-wrapped packages. This system also features a bottom-mounted wipe-on applicator and a split rubberbelt food-grade conveyor.
This three panel labeling system uses “saloon doors” pneumatic rotary actuators to apply labels to the leading edge and down the sides of square or rectangular shaped containers. Features include all stainless steel construction and PLC control.
This zero downtime labeling system provides non-stop operation, and is ideal for labeling the tops of clamshells, baked goods and other prepared foods. Features include sealed electronics and 304 stainless steel construction necessary for food environments.
This top/bottom labeling system utilizes dual side belt technology to suspend the product, allowing simultaneous top and bottom labeling at speeds to 100 products per minute.
This top/bottom labeling system uses split belt technology to apply labels to the tops and bottoms of clamshells and other prepared food containers. Speeds up to 100 ppm are possible.
Why food processors choose Quadrel
- Hygienic design: Stainless frames, sloped surfaces, sealed wiring, and tool-less guard removal.
- Speed and uptime: High-torque drives and closed-loop control keep labels on target at line rate.
- Accuracy that lasts: Servo controls and smart peel-edge geometry deliver tight placement, even on cold, wet film.
- Easy changeovers: Saved recipes, handwheels with scales, and quick-release guides reduce changeover time.
- Food plant ready: IP-rated components, optional NEMA 4X enclosures, and washdown labelers for sanitation cycles.
- Codes and data: Integrate date, lot, and 2D barcodes because traceability matters.
Automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging: core capabilities
We build the automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging to handle common tray sizes for cutlets, thighs, wings, tenders, ground meat, and marinated items. We support label formats such as top-only, top-and-bottom, C-wrap, full wrap, and weigh-price labels. Because film can be slick, we add traction belts and stabilizers to keep trays aligned. Therefore, the label lands square, flat, and bubble-free.
- Label types: Paper, film, linerless*, recyclable films, and freezer-grade adhesives.
- Apply styles: Tamp, wipe, air-blow, and belt-wrap options for different label geometries.
- Sensors: Clear-label capable photoeyes and encoders maintain placement at speed.
- Verification: Optional vision checks and barcode readers confirm presence and print quality.
*We evaluate linerless compatibility for your exact supplier and adhesive, so results stay reliable.
How the system works
- Infeed and alignment: Guides and belts center each tray. Because the belt speed matches your conveyor, products stay stable.
- Label dispense: Servo-driven heads release the label at the precise encoder count, so you get repeatable placement.
- Application: Wipe, tamp, or wrap modules seat the label, therefore removing air and wrinkles.
- Print and code: Integrated print engines add date, lot, and price on the fly, so you avoid preprinted SKUs.
- Check and reject: Vision or barcode tools verify. If a label fails, a soft-catch reject removes the tray, so the line keeps moving.
Benefits you see on day one
- More throughput: High-speed application reduces bottlenecks at the label station.
- Less waste: Accurate placement means fewer reworks and relabels, so you save labels and labor.
- Fewer stops: Large label rolls and quick threading extend run time between roll changes.
- Safer sanitation: Washdown builds let your team clean fast, therefore cutting downtime after breaks.
- Audit-ready labels: Clear dates and lots support compliance and recalls, so quality teams stay confident.
Label formats for fresh, chilled, and frozen trays
We support labels that stick in cold rooms and freezers. We also support paper or film faces that resist moisture. Because trays flex, we pair adhesives and wipe pressure to match your film and product temperature. Therefore, labels hold during case packing and transport.
- Top-only brand and nutrition labels.
- Top-and-bottom spec and barcode labels.
- C-wrap for tamper-evidence and extended content.
- Full wrap for large print areas and promo.
- Weigh-price labels from integrated scales and printers.
Integrate with your line and data
We fit our automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging into your existing conveyors, weighers, printers, and case packers. We tie into your PLC or network, so you can pull SKUs and push print data. Therefore, you reduce manual entry and errors.
- Mechanical: Adjustable stands, custom mounts, and pass-height options.
- Electrical: Common fieldbus and discrete I/O, E-stop tie-ins, and safety interlocks.
- IT: SKU database integration, label template management, and user access control.
Choosing an automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging
Start with your products, speeds, tray sizes, and label formats. Then map sanitation needs and space limits. Because every plant runs a bit different, we tailor conveyors, applicators, and controls to your goals. Therefore, your team gets a fit that works on day one.
- Throughput: Peak CPM today and growth plans.
- Environment: Room temp, chill, or freezer; washdown level.
- Label content: Print-and-apply vs. preprinted, barcode grade targets.
- Changeovers: Number of SKUs per shift and recipe needs.
- Budget and ROI: Savings from labor, waste, and uptime.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best options for tray lines of different sizes?
We offer top, bottom, and C-wrap modules that scale from compact single-head units to multi-head systems. Because line rates vary, we size drives and label heads to your speed, therefore keeping placement stable.
Can it print dates, lots, and barcodes?
Yes. We integrate print engines for date, lot, price, and 1D/2D codes. We also add verification, so you catch print issues before case pack.
Will labels stick in wet or cold rooms?
Yes. We match adhesives and wipe pressure to your film and temperature. Therefore, labels stay put from infeed to retail shelf.
How fast can it run?
We tailor speed to your tray style and label format. Typical builds label hundreds of trays per minute while holding tight tolerances.
How hard is changeover?
Operators load a new recipe, adjust scaled handwheels, and thread labels. Because guides and belts use quick releases, changeovers take minutes.
Does it meet food plant sanitation needs?
Yes. We offer stainless and washdown builds with sealed controls and sanitary cable routing, so sanitation crews clean fast and safely.
Fast rollout and training
We start with a discovery call and sample testing. Then we design, build, and factory test. After that, we install, train, and support. Because your team needs confidence, we provide clear SOPs and spare parts lists. Therefore, you sustain performance long term.
- On-site or remote FAT and SAT support.
- Operator and maintenance training with quick guides.
- Preventive maintenance plans and remote diagnostics.
Get a tailored proposal
Share your tray sizes, labels, speeds, and room conditions. We will engineer an automatic labeling machine for meat and poultry tray packaging that fits your line and budget. Because accuracy and uptime matter, we build for both.
Quadrel Labeling Systems
Call: 800-321-8509 | Email: info@quadrel.com | Request a quote: quadrel.com/contact-us
About Quadrel Labeling Systems
For decades, processors have trusted Quadrel for dependable food-plant labeling. We design and build in the USA, and we support teams worldwide. Because clear guidance helps you move fast, we share setup best practices, maintenance tips, and compliance updates. Therefore, your operation stays audit-ready and on schedule.
Author: Quadrel Applications Engineering Team — specialists in pressure-sensitive labeling for protein, bakery, beverage, and prepared foods.