Potato processing facility upgrade in Spain to improve yield

Spanish potato processor Patatas Melendez has selected Wyma Europe as its primary partner to design and manufacture what is expected to be one of the most innovative potato processing facilities.

The new potato facility in Medina del Campo, Spain, will be the cornerstone in a broader project which will involve the complete digitalisation of Melendez’s production process.

“In selecting a line supplier, we had a number of key criteria,” said Patatas Melendez CEO Javier Melendez. “These included – the quality of the machinery, line/staff safety, very gentle potato handling, line efficiency and smart automation. Wyma Europe met and demonstrated these key criteria.”

According to Jason Gerrie, Managing Director of Wyma Europe, the plant will incorporate the latest technology, including potato pre-grading, destoning/washing/polishing and optical grading solutions designed to maximise potato yield. He said an automated box storage and handling system (supplied by Deprez Construct), multiple new packaging lines and an automation system will also be used for the digitalisation of the production process.

Wyma will complete the design and manufacture of the line in the coming months, with the plant expected to be operational by the end of 2022.

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