Fully automatic cutting and peeling: a solution for labor shortages in vegetable processing
The food industry is facing a chronic shortage of personnel. Companies experience increasing pressure between maintaining high production standards and a lack of staff. Manual processes such as cutting and peeling are particularly difficult to sustain consistently. This results in delays, inefficiency and increased operational costs. Companies risk production backlogs when demand rises, especially during peak periods such as harvest seasons or holidays.
At the same time, retailers and consumers expect consistent quality and maximum hygiene. Manual errors in cutting or peeling jeopardize this reputation. Coupled with rising labor costs, it is clear why more producers are turning to automation. Fully automatic cutting and peeling systems provide solutions that increase productivity while reducing reliance on personnel.
Why fully automatic machines are necessary
The complexity of manual production often leads to deviations in size, irregular cuts and inconsistent peeling results. This not only causes waste but also increases costs due to rework and downtime. Moreover, labor costs are rising and companies face understaffing. According to a Descartes study, 54 percent of supply chain leaders see automation as an important solution to compensate for labor shortages. For the food sector, this means not only increased efficiency, but also future security.
Automated cutting machines: consistent quality with less manual effort
The Top/Tail and Plug-Cutting Machines - TTP belongs to the category of vegetable cutting machines and is designed to cut long vegetables such as carrots and cucumbers into uniform pieces. This allows you to rely on a consistently uniform end product.
Once accurately positioned by the machine, the product moves through the cutting blade system, resulting in uniform cuts regardless of slight variations. For capacity doubling, an optional double belt and wide cutting unit are available. For versatility, a second set of blades can be installed to achieve different cut sizes.
Fully automatic peeling with the Drum Knife Peeler
Professional vegetable peeling machine solutions are indispensable in fully automated lines. The Drum Knife Peeler - SMT fits this perfectly. This machine easily processes thousands of kilograms of washed vegetables daily without any loss of quality.
Capacity: up to 10,000 kg per hour.
Material: AISI 304 stainless steel, IP56-protected drives, stainless steel bearings.
Durability: long lifespan, minimal maintenance required.
Ease of use: knives and knife beams are quick to replace or clean.
Precision cutting with the Hydro Cutter
The Hydro Cutter - SH is an innovative cutting solution for root vegetables and potatoes. Thanks to hydro cutting technology, various cut shapes are possible: slices, wedges, fries, halves or quarters. All with one system.
Capacity: up to 15,000 kg per hour.
Flexibility: knife blocks interchangeable in less than one minute.
Hygiene: fully enclosed system including a water tank, pump, venturi tube, cutting section and decelerator.
Application: ideal for large-scale potato or vegetable processing.
The machines are maintenance-friendly, built for durability and flexible to configure according to your capacity and production goals. Marcelissen develops machines that are modular and scalable, using proven standard components wherever possible. This keeps investments manageable, speeds up delivery times and ensures spare parts are readily and easily available. Thanks to this approach we offer not only flexibility, but also reliability and future-proofing, without requiring each customer to pay for full engineering every time.
From individual machines to complete production lines
Where manual processes often lead to variable output, delays and dependence on personnel, fully automated processing lines offer a sustainable solution. More producers are adopting complete, automated systems to future-proof their production processes. From the initial product intake to cutting, peeling, inspection and finally packaging of vegetables, each step is seamlessly integrated into one streamlined line.
Marcelissen designs modular lines consisting of components such as:
Bunkers with outfeed conveyors.
Automated sorting systems.
Advanced cutting and peeling machines.
Smartly integrated supporting components.
This creates a streamlined whole that is easy to operate and tailored to your production site and scale. This makes the process not only more efficient, but also more reliable and future-proof. This is exactly what is needed in a market where speed, quality and labor pressure are increasingly important.
Why Marcelissen is the perfect partner
With over 75 years of experience, Marcelissen is a trusted partner in food processing automation. We collaborate on every step, from analysis and design to installation and training. Our approach, focused on co-creation and service, builds future-proof solutions that truly make an impact in times of labor shortages and high quality standards.
What sets Marcelissen apart is the ability to combine custom solutions with deep process knowledge. Our machines are designed not only for performance but also for flexibility, ease of use and minimal downtime. Moreover, our commitment does not end after delivery. With personal support, maintenance advice and close communication with engineering, we remain available long after installation. Together, we ensure you are prepared for the future of food processing.
Ready to automate?
Do you want to reduce your dependence on labor while increasing your production capacity? Contact us. We will help you find a solution that fits your goals, proven in practice and ready for the future.