Vidalia onion grower G&R Farms, Glennville, Ga., has installed of a high-tech grading and packing line that is expected to be in full operation in March 2023.
The new grading equipment is more precise, maximizing packing efficiency and product quality with a speed almost 80% faster than existing equipment, according to a news release. It optimizes accuracy in sizing and provides delicate processing, resulting in less mechanical damage to the onion, the company said.
More uniformity can be found in pack sizes due to the accuracy of the sizer, allowing the G&R Farms to ship exact customer specifications noted in preferences, according to the release.
“Over the years we have seen the onion industry suffer losses from inconsistent size and quality issues not caught on the sorting and packing lines,” Fabian Murillo, G&R Farms’ shipping manager and inventory control supervisor, said in the release. “Our new line challenges nearly every obstacle with boosted accuracy and increased speed in packing. This assurance will allow us to process orders on demand ensuring we’re providing the freshest, most reliable products.”
The added efficiency and accuracy realized through the grader enhancement will allow for continued competitive pricing amid inflation challenges and meeting changing retail and consumer demands, the company said.
“As we closed out 2022 with record sales, we continue to position ourselves for success in 2023 by offering the best in service and innovation to our customers,” CEO Blake Dasher said in the release. “This is no time to rest, and we’ve already got our eye on our next big advancement. At G&R we’re always looking for ways to push ahead and improve our processes and technology.”
