Bettcher Industries Introduces New Wide-blade Models in Its Whizard Series II Trimmer Line for Select Applications.

Business Editors

BIRMINGHAM, Ohio.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2001

A new family of Whizard(r) Series II Trimmers is now available from Bettcher Industries, Inc. The newly introduced 1900 Family models are specially designed for select important trimming applications, among them hot beef defatting and salmon slicing.

The 1900 Family models feature a 7-1/2" trimmer, providing a 40% wider cutting path than other models. This provides a wide cut for quick removal of hot beef fat. Two depth gauge options, along with an optional post handle attachment, allows operators greater flexibility in the defatting procedure, along with more maneuverability and control.

When performing salmon slicing or other thin-slicing operations, the 1900 Family models produce longer, wider slices for more attractive retail packaging. In addition, the easily adjustable depth gauge allows for both flexibility and precision in the thickness of the slices.

The 1900 Family models are part of Bettcher Industries' Whizard(r) Series II line of modular meat trimmers. This is the industry's latest generation of modular trimmers, the first models of which were pioneered by Bettcher Industries in the late 1980s. Whizard(r) Series II Trimmers incorporate patented design elements to enhance operator productivity, safety and comfort, including captive hex-head housing screws that provide faster, easier removal and reinstallation of the blade housing and blades. The new design also makes it easier for operators to fine-tune the blade adjustment.

Other design characteristics of the blades and housing make Whizard(r) Series II Trimmers markedly different from preceding designs. A new blade/housing interface generates lower vibration "chatter" and less heat, thereby improving worker operating conditions. An enhanced gear mesh design contributes to smoother blade operation, while better proximity to the built-in steeling device button makes steeling blades quicker and more comfortable.

All Series II handpieces feature a contoured handle design to reduce grip force and torque momentum. Operators choose from three handle sizes, which are easily interchangeable. Made of Trefsin(r), a food- and medical-grade material, the handles are color-coded by size for easy identification. They are very comfortable, even during periods of extended use. An attachable hand-strap provides operators with added control, while the flex shaft/casing attaches to the handpiece with a simple two-action motion.

For more information about the entire line of Whizard(r) Series II Trimmers, call 440/965-4422, e-mail your request to [e-mail], or visit the company's web site at www.bettcher.com.

Established in 1944, Bettcher Industries brings more than five decades of successful innovation to the food processing industry. The company is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative and precision cutting tools for food processing and industrial operations. Based in the United States, Bettcher Industries is an ISO 9001-certified company with direct distribution and service in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

Trefsin is a registered trademark of Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.