Washington Fruit Company is set to double its post-harvest production capacity, after announcing it will install a new sorting and packing line.
The Yakima-based firm has engaged leading New Zealand post-harvest equipment manufacturer Compac to handle the fit-out, which will include a 10-Lane sorter, capable of processing over 500,000 bins of apples a season.
The company will erect a new packhouse to house the sorter, along with a new infeed system for bin tipping, washing, waxing and downstream packing equipment, developed by Compac’s distribution partner Van Doren Sales. Robotic palletising will complete the line making this facility one of the most efficient apple packing facilities in the Pacific Northwest.
“We can see where Compac is heading and their commitment to research and development in both fruit handling and optical sorting systems,” said Tommy Hanses of Washington Fruit Company. “One of the key reasons we have selected a Compac sorter is their superior performance in gentle mechanical handling.”
The sorter also comes equipped with active electronic control, the latest update to Compac’s InVision defect sorting system. The electronic system controls the LED lighting within the InVision system, ensuring consistent and uniform lighting in order to present a higher quality image for grading and defect classification.
“Our new active electronic control which is patented technology will give Washington Fruit a performance boost when it comes to sorting apples for defects,” said David Buys, Compac’s international sales director.
Van Doren Sales will provided in-market service and support for the new plant.
