Increased efficiency and yield for Icelandic potato processor

Increased efficiency and yield for Icelandic potato processor

36

Different products

40

Years of experience in potato processing

Interested?

Get in touch with us

The challenge

Þykkvabær ehf. faced a clear challenge: how could they further professionalize their production line? The need was to increase production capacity, yield and overall efficiency. One of the main bottlenecks was the reliance on manual labour in certain steps of the process.

To support the company’s growth and raise the final product quality to an even higher level, they were looking for a technological solution that would not only reduce labour, but also guarantee exceptional sorting precision.

The solution

The seed for the collaboration between Þykkvabær ehf. and Marcelissen was planted at the Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, where Marcelissen is present every year. Although we had not previously worked with customers in Iceland, there was a strong connection from the very beginning and a relationship of trust quickly developed. We recognized each other in the same hands-on mentality and shared drive to find the best possible solution together.

For Þykkvabær ehf.’s challenge, the decision was made to implement an advanced optical sorting line. Our Pneumatic Optical Sorting Machine proved to be the perfect choice, as there is no more accurate system on the market for whole potatoes. Although the machines themselves are proven standards, specific customization was provided to ensure that the complete line could be seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure.

Machines supplied

The supplied production line consists of a carefully selected configuration:

For the maintenance of these machines, the customer primarily chose to make their own technical department responsible. As additional support, they opted for a supplementary inspection contract. Under this agreement, our technicians carry out an extensive inspection and minor maintenance twice a year to safeguard continuity.

The result

The new line delivered results immediately after installation. By automating the sorting process, the dependence on manual inspection was greatly reduced, resulting in direct savings on labour costs. The capacity of the line increased significantly, while the new sorting machine ensures that only the very best potatoes continue to the final stage of the process. This has resulted in a higher yield and a more consistent quality of peeled potatoes.

The impact

The move towards automation gives Þykkvabær ehf. a strong position for the future. The combination of top-level technology and a personal, constructive collaboration made this first Icelandic challenge a great success.

“From the very beginning, it was a very pleasant and constructive collaboration, with the shared goal of achieving the best possible result together. When you then receive feedback within just one week after delivery that yield and efficiency have increased significantly, it reminds you once again why this industry is so rewarding to be part of!”

— Sjors Vullings

Contact us