Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Gladstone, Michigan, Pisces Fish Machinery, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of automated fish processing equipment. Serving clients across more than 40 countries, the company has carved out a distinct market position by providing high-efficiency machinery tailored for small to mid-sized fish species. With a strong commitment to innovation, durability, and hygienic design, Pisces is a trusted name in the seafood processing industry.
Core Business
Pisces Fish Machinery specializes in developing automated fish processing equipment for operations ranging from small family-owned processors to large industrial plants. The company’s product lineup includes filleting machines, heading and gutting machines, pinboning equipment, graders, and complete processing lines. Pisces solutions are known for enhancing yield, improving safety, and reducing labor dependency in seafood operations.
Product and Service Offerings
Pisces provides a comprehensive range of machinery that covers almost every stage of fish processing:
- Heading / Gutting & Dressing Machines
- HV 40, HV 30V: Versatile models for head removal and gutting of various fish species
- Filleting Systems
- FR 9000 MkIII, FR 150: Automated and semi-automated systems for filleting small to medium fish
- Nobbing Machines
- PN 200: Specializes in removing heads, tails, and viscera from pelagic fish
- Evisceration Equipment
- SGA-22, SGA-32: Designed for efficient and hygienic gutting
- Grading & Weighing
- HG Series Roller Graders and electronic weight grading systems for precise categorization
- Skinning and Scale Removal Machines
- Vision Control Systems
- For improved quality control and yield optimization
Pisces also offers full customization and integration support for turnkey fish processing lines tailored to regional market needs and fish species.
Specialisation and Core USP
Pisces’ unique selling proposition lies in:
- Modular, compact designs that fit into small to medium-sized plants
- Equipment designed specifically for small pelagic fish like mackerel, sardines, and trout—underserved by competitors
- Hygienic, stainless steel construction meeting USDA, EU, and other regulatory standards
- Plug-and-play solutions reducing setup time and costs
- High-yield processing: Machines like the FR 150 deliver up to 75% fillet yield, outperforming many competitors in its class
Financials and Global Reach
While Pisces Fish Machinery is privately held and does not publish its financials, its export and global installation footprint reflect robust performance:
- Over 4,000 machines installed globally
- Major installations in Norway, Chile, Japan, Iceland, Russia, Canada, and the USA
- Customers include both small artisanal processors and large industrial seafood companies
According to shipment data on trade intelligence platforms like ImportYeti:
- Pisces has delivered machinery to over 35 countries in the past 5 years
- Key importing countries include Japan, Chile, and Canada
- Top exported machines include the FR 150 filleting system, PN 200 nobbing machine, and HV 40 heading machine
Target Market
Pisces targets:
- Mid-sized seafood processing facilities
- Government and NGO-funded community fishery development projects
- Contract processors serving retail brands
- OEM integrators looking for modular fish processing units
Their equipment is especially popular in regions with high volumes of small pelagic fish and limited floor space, such as coastal Asia, Scandinavia, and Latin America.
Capabilities
- End-to-end equipment design and manufacturing in the U.S.
- Customization support for species-specific or client-specific adaptations
- Global network of sales and service partners
- Spare parts support and upgrade programs for machinery lifecycle extension
Pisces also offers on-site installation, training, and after-sales service via its international service network.
Certifications and Compliance
Pisces machinery complies with:
- CE marking for exports to the European Union
- USDA food safety design guidelines
- Sanitary design standards including stainless steel fabrication and washdown compatibility
Their machines are used in HACCP-compliant plants and support integration into traceability systems.
Customer Testimonials
"We’ve used the Pisces HV 40 and FR 150 in our Alaska plant for over 6 years now. Low maintenance, great uptime, and consistent output."
— Operations Manager, Seafood Processor, Alaska, USA
"Their PN 200 line helped us process mackerel at three times the previous speed, with less manual labor."
— Plant Engineer, Chilean Seafood Company
Major Achievements
- Exported equipment to over 40 countries since inception
- Featured at major industry expos including Seafood Expo North America and Brussels Seafood Expo Global
- Developed the first commercially viable vision-assisted filleting system for small fish species
- Recognized as a preferred equipment supplier by numerous government aquaculture development programs in Southeast Asia and Africa
Pisces Fish Machinery continues to innovate and expand its portfolio with smart automation features and greater integration with digital processing environments. The company stands out as a reliable, innovative, and globally trusted partner in fish processing automation.