With 12 cells of 600 crates each in total, the new building for Waterman Onions doesn’t just add drying capacity, but also flexibility in storage. The new storage will mostly result in a considerable improvement of the company’s power during the off-field period; the logistical efficiency will also be greatly improved, according to the onion sorting and packing station on its website.
On 12 May, a considerable expansion was started of the building complex of Waterman Onions on the Hannie Schaftweg in Emmeloord, the Netherlands. In addition to the existing buildings, a hall of about 140 by 60 metres will be built, which will have space for 12 cells with a capacity of 600 crates each. The hall will be built at once, but equipped and taken into use in two stages. The cells in back will be taken into use in September 2017. Three additional loading docks will be added on the side facing the road.
The new building will firstly offer more space for drying capacity. “This is very welcome especially in the off-field period,” says Remko Wilms, buyer for Waterman Onions. “Especially planting onions are sometimes placed before the drying wall for two weeks. We’ll soon be able to dry more off-field batches at the same time.” The new building will also make Waterman Onions more flexible with their own storage. “During peak times, the onions are now placed in rented storage spread over the polder. We’ll soon be able to store more ourselves.” The drying walls of the new cells can be sealed, so that both refrigerated and regular storage is possible. Each cell has its own climate control.
Source: Waterman Onions