The global cheese market continues to expand, reflecting sustained demand across retail, food service, and convenience applications. Mozzarella, in particular, has become the most widely processed cheese type worldwide, driven by the global popularity of pizza and ready-to-eat formats, where consistent portioning and product performance are critical.

At the same time, dairy processors are operating under increasing pressure. Rising raw material and energy costs, labor constraints, and market volatility are forcing producers to focus more than ever on operational efficiency and margin protection. 

In response to these evolving requirements, FAM STUMABO introduced Flexifam.2, a dicer designed to deliver consistent performance in demanding cheese processing environments, with a capacity of around 1,000 kg/h depending on the cut size. 

The new model is an evolution of the industry-standard Flexifam 55, further refined to meet the needs of small- to medium-sized processors seeking a robust, easy-to-use solution that combines reliable cut quality with improved hygiene, simplified maintenance, and efficient operation in continuous production environments, supported by a 5.5 kW drive system.

“Processors today are under pressure to do more with less — less waste, less downtime, fewer skilled operators, and less margin for error  What we see in the field is that cutting is often underestimated, yet it has a direct impact on profitability. With Flexifam.2, we wanted to offer a practical, accessible solution for small and medium processors who need reliable cut quality, easy sanitation, and low maintenance without complexity,” said Thijmen Put, product manager, FAM STUMABO.

Cheese processors face a range of operational challenges, from maintaining consistent cut quality across variable products to reducing waste and avoiding unnecessary pre-processing steps. Flexifam.2 addresses these requirements through a combination of design features focused on performance and practicality.

Flexifam.2 cuts product in three steps — slicing, strip cutting and dicing — using fast-rotating knife spindles rather than forcing product through a cutting grid. A shear plate enables a very small tolerance between the crosscut knives and the shear edge, reducing friction and delivering clean, consistent dice with minimal fines across a wide range of cheese types and textures.

Variations in product size are accommodated by the large drum diameter — one of the largest in its category — enabling processors to feed larger formats without the need for pre-cutting. At the same time, a 5.5 kW drive system and precise knife positioning contribute to stable, repeatable output, even when processing products with varying texture or moisture levels.

The machine can process products up to 135 mm in diameter and 270 mm in length. It delivers dice sizes ranging from 3 to 15 mm. 

Flexifam.2 is particularly well-suited to mozzarella processing, with a large drum diameter that accommodates the longer logs commonly produced by smaller and artisanal mozzarella makers, reducing or eliminating the need for pre-cutting. Thorough and efficient cleanability — a critical requirement in any dairy processing environment — is also central to the machine’s design.

In addition to mozzarella, it is also suitable for processing a wide range of cheeses, including Gouda, Emmental, cheddar, and other varieties. Beyond cheese, it is equally suited to a range of meat and poultry applications, including ham, bacon, pepperoni, and sausages, where the same combination of high power, cut quality, and ease of cleaning delivers comparable benefits.

Cleaning is facilitated by a hygienic design that includes a stainless-steel washdown motor, full stainless-steel construction, and easy access to key areas of the machine, enabling operators to perform thorough sanitation more quickly. Maintenance interventions are also simplified, with improved access to the drive compartment and a more ergonomic design that enables faster component handling, reducing a two-person maintenance job to a single person.

In addition, the cutting system allows quick, straightforward tool changes that can be completed in just a few minutes, making it easier to switch between different cut sizes and product types with minimal downtime.

About FAM STUMABO
FAM STUMABO engineers and develops industrial cutting machines as well as manufactures precision knives for the food industry. We provide customers with the solutions they need for the cutting, slicing, and dicing of fruit, vegetables & nuts, cheese, meat & poultry, fish, petfood, potato chips, and French fries. Over the past 60 years, we have established long-lasting partnerships in cooperation with highly reliable, influential companies, customers, and leaders in the industrial food processing market. We are present on all continents, with customer experience centers, spare parts, and services.