TOP Onions has chosen the optical sorting system from JDC-Elisam. The most important benefit of this new technology is that it can guarantee the quality of the sorted onions. JDC supplies the new sorting solution, consisting of a camera system, a sorter and a suction exhaust.
“The camera system performs 20 measurements on ten onions per second, and it inspects internal and external quality. These quality requirements can be personally adjusted, and are automatically processed in the Elisam sorter. In this manner, quality becomes measurable,” says Fred Jongejans from JDC. “This advanced optical sorting system can be programmed to every onion line, and provides larger supply reliability, consistent onion quality and a reduction in labour costs.”
We asked Rinus Wisse from TOP some questions about this investment.
What was your main reason for choosing optical sorting technology?
We want to work towards an even higher and more consistent quality of our onions, both internally and externally.
What made you decide to choose the JDC-Elisam technology?
JDC and Elisam have much knowledge and skill in optically sorting. They have already placed various properly functioning lines worldwide.
Not many optical sorting lines are operational yet in the Netherlands. What is the benefit of being one of the first? Wouldn't it be better to wait until other users have sorted out the teething problems?
As you know, we are not the first, various lines are already in operation. This is the right time to start, we clearly see optical sorting as the future.
How will you be using the line? For which onions, and what share of the total number of onions?
We will be using the line for both yellow and red onions. The optical sorting line will be our primary line. The other sorting lines will do the remainder of our volume.
Have you noticed demand for internal quality sorting from buyers?
Customers want TOP quality, from retail to wholesaler, nearby and in the farthest corners of the world. We can better guarantee that with this machine, and internal quality is a spearhead in that in particular.
What will this mean for the total onion sector?
We will not be looking at other companies, as such, we are doing this to guarantee our position as a progressive onion company and to further expand. On the other hand, this is such a change in technology, it will probably bring about change in the sector.
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