EQM and UNITEC representatives introduce the latest technology in defect sorting to New Zealand
Unisorting, a division of UNITEC, formed two years ago after UNITEC acquired the assets of Longabardi, a well-known fruit packing equipment supplier based in Italy. The UNICAL 8.0 for apple and the UNICAL 9.0 for pear defect sorting systems launched internationally At Fruit Logistica in Berlin earlier in the year.
Following the rise in overseas demand for apples, growers across the country are in the midst of planting one million new trees a year. Consequently, in a few of years’ time, there will be a lot of pressure on existing packhouses to sort, pack and export the best quality apples.
Anthony Bloxham on the future of defect sorting
“Due to this anticipated growth in production, pack-house operators will be looking to technology to increase productivity and improve efficiencies. There is also a labour shortage. Hence that compounds on the pressure to effectively operate typical packing lines. These require a lot of people to effectively pack fruit. That’s where the UNICAL defect sorting systems will provide the greatest benefits. Also, they will deliver many unique points of difference. The system has a range of patented features. It is the first machine in the world designed to be 100% sanitized. This avoids contamination to fruit. Furthermore, it takes food safety in the pack-house to the highest level.
With the UNICAL 8.0 maximum reliability in the classification of apples is now possible. The Apples Sort 3 technology makes use of high-resolution cameras for the selection and classification of external and internal quality. This ensures maximum efficiency and accuracy. UNICAL 8.0 and Apples Sort 3 technologies allow pack-houses to combine high processing volumes with maximum flexibility, gentleness and reliability when selecting and classifying the quality of apples. Thus it improves business and revenue. The equipment is exactly what New Zealand pack-houses need to take fruit sorting and sizing to the next level.”
Increased capacity and speed
If space is an issue with a facility, a 12 lane UNICAL 8.0 sorter system can operate in the same space that a conventional 6 lane system occupied previously.
UNITEC are specialists in fruit and vegetable packing solutions. They have systems for 35 different fruit. They are proud of the fact that they make equipment inhouse to acommodate from when the fruit arrives, is automatically unloaded onto the packing line through to stacking and palletizing with traceability.
If you want to find out more about the UNICAL sorting systems contact us today.
