BERTOLINO FOODS SCALES UP WITH CONFIDENCE USING LOMA’S IQ4 FLEX METAL DETECTORS
Founded in Boston in 1961 as Frank Bertolino Beef, the company rebranded to Bertolino Foods in 2020 as part of a major transformation that included relocating to a new, larger facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. The move marked a new era for the business, expanding capacity, increasing capabilities and continuing to supply premium beef and turkey products to foodservice, retail and wholesale customers. The relocation was pivotal, enabling Bertolino Foods to grow from two production lines to nine. With that expansion came the need for robust and reliable food safety solutions.
The Challenge - with rapid growth comes complexity
Scaling from two to nine production lines required Bertolino Foods to re-evaluate numerous aspects of its operations, including stricter food safety requirements and increased pressure on staff and processes. “For us, scaling up wasn’t just about adding more equipment - it meant moving faster, managing more SKUs and having zero margin for error,” explains Jim O’Toole, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance. “Certain areas of our operation had to function flawlessly and metal detection was one of them. ”With an expanding product range, including shaved
steak, gourmet patties, turkey patties and a new meatball line, Bertolino Foods needed a dependable solution that wouldn’t hinder production, confuse operators, or pose risks. They turned to LOMA to ensure peace of mind in this critical area of food safety.
The Solution - IQ4 Flex metal detectors
Bertolino Foods has installed LOMA’s IQ4 Flex Metal Detectors in all palletizing areas - eight are currently operational and the ninth is in progress. Known for managing challenging product applications, the IQ4 Flex was the perfect choice for Bertolino Foods’ ‘ready to cook’ lines.
Key Purchasing Factors
• Trusted, long-term relationship with LOMA
• Exceptional training and willingness to educate
• Responsive, knowledgeable customer service
team
• Quick lead times
• Proven capability with challenging product types
The Solution - exceptional support
Jim O’Toole was impressed not just by the technology, but by the support that came with it: “The training was outstanding. LOMA didn’t just show us how to run the machine; they ensured we understood how metal detection really works. That extra level of education makes a significant difference.” - Jim O’Toole
The Outcome - reliable performance, zero disruption
The impact of installing LOMA’s IQ4 Flex units has been
significant:
• Consistent food safety assurance across all lines
• Powerful detection capabilities that catch even the
smallest fragments of metal
• Zero production downtime - machines automatically
stop when metal is detected, ensuring seamless
operations
• Ability to keep customer complaints below key
performance indicators relating to foreign objects
• Uniformity across lines allows ease of use for operators
• Compact footprint integrates seamlessly into existing
workflows
• Supports Bertolino Foods’ commitment to maintaining
a clean, organized facility
Installation & Support
LOMA technicians offered hands-on support throughout the installation, ensuring that each unit was correctly configured and all operators received comprehensive training.
Jim added that the LOMA team’s patience and thoroughness were critical to the successful rollout. “The installation went smoothly. The team patiently explained everything, giving us a clear understanding of how to use it and why it works.”
Conclusion
As Bertolino Foods continues to grow, its partnership with LOMA Systems provides the confidence and reliability required in a fast-paced, food-safe environment. With nine IQ4 Flex Metal Detectors now installed, the company is well positioned to maintain its high standards while expanding further.