Airshirz Pneumatic Scissors Make Poultry Neck-Breaking Operations A Snap.

VERMILION, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 6, 1999--

Lightweight yet powerful Airshirz(R) pneumatic scissors from Bettcher Industries increase worker productivity while reducing muscle fatigue in poultry neck-breaking operations.

With its fixed bottom blade design, Airshirz provides a clean, accurate cut to break the neck parallel to the shoulder joints.

The choice of fully controllable neck-breaker blades, inverted neck-breaker blades, or straight blades in various lengths allows operators to use Airshirz units in the neck-breaking procedure just as they would manual scissors. Yet Airshirz requires approximately 90% less muscle activity to operate, and achieves up to 127% greater worker productivity over manual scissors.

Airshirz scissors are now available in two grip designs: a two-finger grip for smaller hands, and a larger finger loop style. Both designs eliminate the need to wrap thumb and fingers as a precaution against knots and calluses forming on the bony parts of the hand. All units feature an automatic spring-return action, so no effort is required to open the blades.

Moreover, the pneumatic design gives users complete control over the cutting action, thereby guarding against accidents or an inadvertent cut. A safety latch secures blades in a locked position to enhance safety and prevent damage when not in use. All units use standard 80 to 120 psi plant air.

Commenting on the operational and safety characteristics of Airshirz scissors, Dr. John Johnson, Certified Professional Ergonomist and Director of Marketing, stated, "Airshirz scissors provide major improvements in reducing muscle fatigue and worker exposure to a variety of risk factors associated with cumulative trauma disorders when carrying out neck-breaking activity. There are clear benefits for poultry processing managers who are looking for improved employee welfare and lower turnover - along with increased worker productivity," he noted.

Airshirz pneumatic scissors utilize stainless steel blades, with multiple configurations available. Blades can be removed in seconds and sharpened using conventional sharpening equipment. Based on 80 hours of use weekly, blade life extends to six months with daily buffing and weekly blade sharpening.

Established in 1944, Bettcher Industries is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative precision cutting tools for food processing operations and industrial applications. For more information about Airshirz pneumatic scissors for the poultry industry, contact Bettcher Industries, Inc., P.O. Box 336, Vermilion, OH 44089 USA. Phone: [phone]. FAX: [phone]. Web site address: www.bettcher.com