WASHING AND PACKING PLANT

Since Fruitorama's purchase of the new packing facility, significant funds have been invested, making it one of the most efficient potato packing facilities in Australia . The grading line capabilities have been up-graded allowing a capacity of 30 tonnes per hour.

In December 2001 a further upgrade to our operations was made through the acquisition of a new premium loose packing machine bringing in phenomenal accuracy and efficiency in the packing of 15kg cartons.

We are currently in the process of having structural plans designed for a new state-of-the-art packing facility which we anticipate to have constructed on the land purchased at Virginia , within the next two years. Currently we are assessing the available plant handling equipment, and working with engineers and mechanical technicians to produce the most efficient and accurate packing line in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fruitorama is awaiting council approval on a $2million dollar upgrade to our current packing facility located in Mount Barker , to help our company cope with projected volume increase over the next 2 years. We have plans for continued infrastructure improvements at our Mount Barker plant, which in time will become a specialist value-added plant.

Below is an outline of our packing line in Mount Barker .

THE E.D. PARSONS POTATO WASHING LINE

The process starts with dirt removal via automatic flushing of the Receival Hopper; where impurities such as grass and stones are removed.

From here the product proceeds through the washing process consisting of three stages:

  • The soak action – 10-15minute process to soften any dirt or impurities attached to the product
  • The Barrel Washer – the product is rotated in water, allowing surface dirt to be worked free via and abrasive action
  • The Pintle Washer – utilises high-pressure water jets specially positioned over rubber pintle rollers, this action removes all surface dirt and staining, whilst producing a very clean result
  • Once the washing process is completed, excessive water is removed from the product via a “doughnut drying” system
  • The E.D Parsons line has a state of the art “Lift Roller Sizing” mechanism installed, which works on the principle of “four point” contact sizing from 40mm – 90mm
  • Final grading now takes place to select various premium grades ready for packing into 20kg bags, 15kg cartons or pre packs.
  • 15kg cartons are subject to additional grading/final inspection before the lids are sealed