Potato Optical Sorting Grading Line, TOMRA 

TURNKEY POTATO
OPTICAL SORTING

Turnkey optical potato grading solutions featuring a collaboration between UK vegetable handling equipment manufacturer Tong Engineering, and Tomra, are enabling Norfolk based company Holkham Emerald to minimise labour requirements whilst increasing capacity and throughput across potato grading operations.

Custom built handling

Holkham Emerald, a leading name in the potato farming industry, has recently revolutionised its operations with the installation of a state-of-the-art potato grading line. Designed to enhance efficiency, reduce labour, and increase throughput, this bespoke solution seamlessly integrates the latest innovations from Tong Engineering and TOMRA Food.

The entire potato grading line has been tailored to meet the specific needs of Holkham Emerald. Tong Engineering designed and installed a custom-built handling system that optimises flow. The result is a seamlessly integrated setup that delivers enhanced throughput, allowing Holkham Emerald to process higher volumes with greater efficiency than ever before.

Advanced Technology

At the heart of the system is the advanced TOMRA 3A optical sorter, a powerful tool for accurately identifying and separating defects and foreign materials from large volumes of potatoes. This cutting-edge technology ensures consistent grading quality while significantly reducing the time and labour required for manual inspection.

Complementing the TOMRA 3A is Tong Engineering’s E-Tip electrical box tipper. This next-generation tipping solution delivers smooth, automated handling of bulk potato boxes, minimizing the risk of damage to the crop.  The innovative sliding action of the lid delivers exceptionally gentle transfer of crop from the box to the machine’s forward conveyor, as well as ensuring seamless upward ejection of empty boxes for continuous operation and maximum performance. Its precision control and energy-efficient design not only streamline the tipping process but also contribute to a more sustainable operation.

The Complete Solution

This innovative solution highlights Holkham Emerald’s commitment to staying at the forefront of agricultural technology. By incorporating the TOMRA 3A optical sorter and Tong’s E-Tip electrical box tipper, the company has not only reduced its reliance on manual labour but also achieved higher levels of operational accuracy and productivity.
With this investment, Holkham Emerald is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the potato market, ensuring their premium-quality produce reaches customers more efficiently and reliably than ever.