DC Norris Highlights the Operational Advantages of the AutoCan 1000 Automatic Can Opening & Crushing in High-Volume Food Production Environments

June 9, 2025

Author: Emma Hodgson, Marketing Executive

As global demand intensifies for faster, safer, and more sustainable food manufacturing, DC Norris is proud to introduce the AutoCan 1000 — a fully integrated can opener and crusher designed to transform can handling in large-scale food production environments.

More Than a Can Opener — A Complete Waste-Reducing Solution

 Manufactured in the UK, the AutoCan 1000 goes far beyond conventional industrial can openers. This next generation system automates the opening of up to 1,000 cans per hour and performs four critical tasks in a single streamlined process:

• External rinse to remove debris
• Precision opening with burr-free, magnetic lid removal
• Automated emptying, including a jogging system for stubborn contents
• Internal rinse (optional) to recover residual product
• Post-use can crushing to minimise volume and optimise recycling

By combining these steps into one compact unit, the AutoCan 1000 helps food manufacturers achieve measurable savings in labour, time, waste disposal costs, and manual handling risks — all while supporting corporate sustainability goals through improved recycling efficiency.

Meeting the Needs of Modern Production Environments

In commercial kitchens, central production units, and high-volume factories, can handling is traditionally a repetitive and labour-intensive process prone to hygiene issues and inconsistencies. The AutoCan 1000 eliminates these inefficiencies with:

• Automatic height adjustment for varied can sizes and different products
• Tool-free cutting head change for maximum flexibility
• Fully enclosed operation for enhanced safety and hygiene
• Minimal operator input, freeing staff for higher-value tasks

Built-In Hygiene and Low-Maintenance Design

Safety is engineered into every element of the AutoCan 1000. The unit operates fully enclosed to eliminate blade exposure and contact with sharp edges, while automatic ejection and transfer of cans between stages reduces manual handling. Combined with its hygienic stainless-steel construction and sealed motor, the system supports clean, safe operation in even the most demanding environments.

Supporting Circular Economy Goals

One of the AutoCan 1000’s key advantages lies in its waste reduction capabilities. By crushing cans post-emptying, the system reduces waste volume at the source, making on-site recycling easier, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. This supports processors in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with tightening regulations around packaging and waste.

Scalable, Sustainable, and Built for Performance

Whether you’re producing soups, ready meals, or pet food, the AutoCan 1000 is a scalable, future-ready solution that delivers long-term performance. From increasing throughput to reducing waste and enhancing workplace safety, it provides genuine operational and environmental benefits for modern food manufacturers.

Discover how the AutoCan 1000 can improve your production efficiency and sustainability targets. Contact DC Norris today or visit our website to arrange a demonstration.