Just a year and a half ago, Johnny de Bat from Symach visited Vos Onions' new onion sorting and packing facility in Veen to mark a milestone: the first palletiser had reached 20 million bags processed. Last week, it was time for a second celebration, as the second machine also crossed the 20 million bag threshold. Arian Vos is a satisfied user. "Apart from regular maintenance, we haven't had any issues with the machine. If that continues, we're aiming for 40 million."
The Brabant-based onion processor purchased a third palletiser when it built the new facility a few years ago. Since then, the palletisers have been supplied by two pallet warehouses with a buffer capacity of around 200 pallets. A shuttle system transports the full pallets to the wrapper. "With the new machine we acquired before moving into the new building, we gained some additional features. For example, the lift is now electric instead of hydraulic, the bag feeder is flat so the bin doesn't need to tilt anymore, and the new palletiser can also stack crates. Since we pack at floor level and then lower the onions, we no longer need elevator belts—just lowering belts. That improves stacking and reduces wear and tear," explains Arian.
© SymachJohnny de Bat hands over the cake to operator Frank van Ballegooijen of Vos Onions
The new machine works perfectly, and even the two older palletisers have consistently performed well. "The latest machine may look more modern, but the core principle of the palletiser hasn't changed much over the years. We're very happy with our partnership with Symach," Arian says. Johnny de Bat from Symach echoes that sentiment. "Arian approaches the machine with a very technical mindset, and his feedback helps us improve our systems. For example, thanks to his input, we've modified the double-arm wrapping machine to switch automatically to the second roll of netting during changeovers."
Whether the machine will reach the 40 million bag milestone remains to be seen, according to Johnny. "The machine can last quite a while, but eventually you run into limitations with the electronics, as some components become obsolete. That said, we've had machines reach 30 million bags before, so we know they can go the distance. Vos Onions handles most of the maintenance themselves and takes great care of their machines. It's impressive that a packing station can handle such volumes—it shows they're packing significant amounts every day," Johnny adds, praising the operation.
For now, there's no shortage of work for the palletisers. "It's extremely busy at the moment, and we're packing at full capacity. The market is a bit tense, though, because right now, farm prices are rising even faster than bag prices. But that's part of the business—if a trader never loses, he'll never win anything either," says Arian. In the machinery sector, it's mainly the recently announced U.S. import duties that are raising eyebrows. "In recent years, many machine manufacturers have been very active in the U.S. market. Personally, I expect that to cool down somewhat if the 20% import tariffs are implemented, and everyone will feel the effects," says Johnny.
For more information:
Arian Vos
Vos Onions
Bagijnhof 66
4264 AZ Veen
Tel: +31 41 669 11 97
info@vosonions.nl
Johnny de Bat
Symach
Gerard Philipsweg 8
4538 DA Terneuzen
Tel: +31 115 685 625
johnny.debat@bwpackaging.com
www.symach.nl