PACKHOUSE EQUIPMENT THAT SENDS PESTS PACKING

Our Client

Mr Apple (Longlands, Hawke’s Bay)

Project scope

Mr Apple is one of the largest growers of apples in Hawke’s Bay. The company's packhouse equipment at its Longlands facility was old and outdated, and there were increasing issues of downtime and reliability, which are the last problems a packhouse operation needs when fruit arrives.

Most importantly, the packhouse equipment wasn’t removing the required volume of bugs, which was having a direct impact on sales.

The CR Automation solution

Starting with our standardised design, we adapted an infeed, washing, and handling system to suit the space available at the packhouse and meet the washing requirements. We designed and manufactured the new packhouse equipment according to industry best practice and installed it in the off-season so there was minimal interruption to Mr Apple's normal operations. The system was tested with coolstore stock to ensure it was 100% ready to go for the next harvest.

The results

Mr Apple now has a highly automated system that provides friendly usage for workers on site. The quality of handling and washing of apples with the new packhouse equipment has given Mr Apple access to high value, pest sensitive markets. The company is getting more money for its product, with much less damage.