A&D was the only company whose metal detectors could simultaneously inspect for

metal contaminants and missing iron-based oxygen absorbers

With the current serious shortage of human resources, automating research and analysis in laboratory automation (LA) is gaining attention.

PMT developed a tabletop dilution and weighing robot system as a multiple workpiece type handling system for laboratory automation. It has been well received, especially by major food manufacturers, as it can be easily installed in crowded laboratories.To say most Japanese people have eaten the famous Kyoto confectionery "Nama yatsuhashi otabe with tsubuan (sweet bean paste)" at least once is no exaggeration.
Bijuu started selling the Nama yatsuhashi otabe with tsubuan in 1966 and since they have supplied delicious confections to customers across Japan.
A&D's metal detector equipped with oxygen absorber compatible software is helping Bijuu to realize its quality policy - "Always safe, always delicious."

Mr. Shuji Yasufuku,

Executive Officer and General Manager of Kyoto Plant,

Bijuu Co., Ltd

- What is the "Otabe-kai" association?

Mr. Yasufuku: Consisting of Bijuu and azuki bean producers and wholesalers from the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, the association brings customers, products, producers, and us together. (See note) The red bean paste inside the otabe uses azuki beans, and we are constantly striving to improve their quality and secure stable procurement through the association.

- So, close attention to raw materials is the secret to the delicious taste.

Mr. Yasufuku: The fresh yatsuhashi which is the otabe dough is made using Japanese Koshihikari rice and natural spring water from the Uriwari Waterfall in Wakasa, Fukui Prefecture. After searching for the best ingredients to make even more delicious confectionery, we selected sticky Koshihikari rice and spring water from Uriwari, recognized as one of the top 100 water sources in Japan. We also cook the bean paste using this spring water.

- What did you pay particular attention to when choosing a metal detection machine?

Mr. Yasufuku: In order to extend the shelf life of our confectioneries, oxygen absorbers are indispensable. In the past, we had installed two metal detectors - one to inspect for contaminants before packaging and one to inspect for missing oxygen absorbers after packaging. We named it "backward metal detection" in our company. This method was time-consuming and labor-intensive and we wanted to simplify the process when we launched individually packed otabe in March 2020.
When we spoke with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company who manufacture oxygen absorbers, they told us that A&D had the perfect inspection machine for us.

- Thank you very much. What is your impression actually using the metal detector?

Mr. Yasufuku: Using the machine has greatly boosted our production efficiency. Less time is required transferring products on and off the conveyor and the time required for inspection has been shortened, too.

- You have also installed a checkweigher which is required to undergo verification testing by March 2027, subsequent to the revised Measurement Law. Have you made any arrangements yet?

Mr. Yasufuku: We plan to ask A&D as a designated certification body for guidance on the matter.

Ageless^Ⓡ iron-based oxygen absorber from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.

- Even when opening an individual package, you cannot see the oxygen absorber inside!

Mr. Yasufuku: We chose a small oxygen absorber for the individual otabe packages, which we fix to the film with special food glue to prevent people accidentally putting it in their mouth. When the package is viewed from the front, the oxygen absorber is hidden behind the product logo.
We also added a slit on the opposite side to the oxygen absorber, so customers can open the packages easily.

- So much ingenuity has gone into each aspect.

Mr. Yasufuku: Our customers look forward to our confectionery, so we take care in making each one.
Nothing would please us more than if people enjoy our "Kyoto baumkuchen" or one of our other sweets.

- Thank you very much for sharing your valuable story with us today.

Cooperation

PMT Corporation

• Head Office: 35-2 Takahata-cho, Nishikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto City
• Founded: 1938
• Established: 1965
• Capital: 50 million yen