Labor challenges drive greater focus on complete packing line automation
Source: VFD.com
Growers and packers are looking at labor requirements, product loss, weighing accuracy and how efficiently the entire line operates. They also want equipment that fits their operation today and allows them to grow in the future." © JASA Packaging Solutions US Automation opportunities extend beyond packaging machine According to Somford, some of the greatest opportunities for additional automation can be found before and after the packaging machine itself.
"We look at the complete process with the customer to see where automation would make the biggest difference." That does not necessarily require replacing an entire packing line. While further details have not yet been released, the new equipment will be designed specifically around the requirements of raw and unprocessed vegetables.
"We will be adding a whole new range of our own machines to our offering, allowing us to supply more of the complete line ourselves and do even more for our customers." That direction reflects the broader shift Somford is seeing among growers and packers: rather than evaluating individual machines primarily on speed, customers increasingly want to understand how equipment works together across the entire packing process and where automation can reduce bottlenecks and labor requirements. IFPA Somford and his colleagues will be available to discuss these developments with customers, growers and packers during IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando on October 15 and 16 at booth #2314.
Why this matters: For operators, this is a water-management story. The useful signal is that direct substrate measurements can help cut drain loss materially without giving up yield or fruit quality, which is exactly the kind of controllable efficiency gain a facility can build on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does substrate sensing matter in free-drain strawberry systems?
Because drain percentage tells a grower what already happened, while substrate moisture and EC data show root-zone conditions directly. That makes it easier to cut water loss without guessing.
What is the operator takeaway from this trial?
If the thresholds are understood well enough, growers can reduce drain water materially while protecting yield and fruit quality, which makes sensing an operational tool instead of a reporting tool.
