The Dutch company Dofra Foodtec has been active as a machine manufacturer in the agro and food sector since 1959.The company has specialized in the production and sales of machinery for the processing of different fresh products. "We process everything from peppers to mushrooms, leafy vegetables, citrus, gherkins, potatoes, carrots and onions." Two years ago at United Fresh 2011 in San Diego Dofra presented the new onion peeler for the first time. The machine has been fixed with special wear-free knives and the application of super magnets resulted in a nomination for Best New Product 2011. Following the success Dofra is doing its utmost to obtain a foothold in the U.S. At United Fresh 2013 we met sales manager Lars Heuvelmans. At the moment he is in the middle of the American adventure. "The U.S. for us is the perfect market."
Super magnets
What makes this onion peeling machine so different from other similar machines on the market?
"With OP-120 the movements of the peeling wheel are not transferred by means of cogs, springs and strings, but by means of super magnets. Movements in the wheel are therefore completely without friction. This makes cleaning of the machine easy and only a minimum of maintenance is required. In addition unsorted product can be processed. Positioning is still by hand, then the head and the tail
of the onion are removed and then all around cut in four places. The skin is blown off by air after that." The old model, still being used in great numbers, has many more revolving and moving parts. "All those complex components have now been replaced by super magnets. The big advantage is obvious: the components do no longer touch and when there is no contact there is no wear and tear!" The machines handle between 600 and 1200 kg/hour, depending on the size of the onion.
"With OP-120 the movements of the peeling wheel are not transferred by means of cogs, springs and strings, but by means of super magnets. Movements in the wheel are therefore completely without friction. This makes cleaning of the machine easy and only a minimum of maintenance is required. In addition unsorted product can be processed. Positioning is still by hand, then the head and the tail
of the onion are removed and then all around cut in four places. The skin is blown off by air after that." The old model, still being used in great numbers, has many more revolving and moving parts. "All those complex components have now been replaced by super magnets. The big advantage is obvious: the components do no longer touch and when there is no contact there is no wear and tear!" The machines handle between 600 and 1200 kg/hour, depending on the size of the onion.
The American adventure
Dofra has been active on the American market for a few years now. "The market may be compared to that in Europe," Lars says. "We are not only looking at onion peelers. We also sell other machines in the U.S., such as pepper decoring machines and appliances which cut perfect onion rings. Of these we have already sold a few. Now we also try to market potato peeling machines, but that is a little more difficult. The potato market in the U.S. is different. They do not deal in pre-peeled potatoes. It is all chips and deep-frozen potato products."
Dofra sees real possibilities in the onion sector. "For us America is the biggest potential market for onion peelers, just because this one is so comparable to the European one. Actually it is still better here. I think that we, as far as refined technique is concerned, are ahead of developments here and that offers us a headstart. The present generation of American machines is still very large, unwieldy and it produces a lot of waste. The OP-120 could be a first class alternative. The only thing still to do is to sell it on a large scale!"
Dofra sees real possibilities in the onion sector. "For us America is the biggest potential market for onion peelers, just because this one is so comparable to the European one. Actually it is still better here. I think that we, as far as refined technique is concerned, are ahead of developments here and that offers us a headstart. The present generation of American machines is still very large, unwieldy and it produces a lot of waste. The OP-120 could be a first class alternative. The only thing still to do is to sell it on a large scale!"
Heinzen
Dofra Foodtec has been represented on the American market by Heinzen Manufacturing International since 1 January 2011. The Californian leader in the design, manufacturing and installation of machinery for the agri-sector, especially for freshly cut products, has a well-founded reputation in the U.S. Heinzen uses its extensive network in the sector to bring the food processing machines by Dofra Foodtech to attention. Lars for the time being is satisfied with the cooperation. Heinzen Manufacturing International is responsible for the sales," he says. "They will look after all sales activities, technical support and after-sales. A little more than 100 people are employed; a substantial company. Their network is impressive, therefore they are our perfect American partner. Up to now cooperation is good."
How this will develop in the U.S. is a matter of wait and see, but as far as Lars Heuvelmans is concerned, there is no lack of enthusiasm. "We will just go ahead,"
he concludes.
How this will develop in the U.S. is a matter of wait and see, but as far as Lars Heuvelmans is concerned, there is no lack of enthusiasm. "We will just go ahead,"
he concludes.
more info
Dofra Foodtec bv
Horst, the Netherlands
Email: l.heuvelmans@dofra.nl
Website: www.dofra.com
Tel +31 77 399 98 88