US (CA): New grading system for Golden State Bulb Growers

This year Golden State Bulb Growers invested over $700,000 in purchasing a new grading system to better serve the needs of their customers. The system has helped increase uniformity and productivity in their Callafornia Callas® bulb production. This significant investment is a testimony of GSBG’s commitment to advancement and innovation.

The grading system was purchased from MAF Industries, a company specializing in manufacturing of grading systems for various types of produce. Significant increases in quality and productivity have been achieved by using this grading system. This has allowed GSBG to effectively keep costs in line in spite of continually rising labor costs and shortages with the ultimate goal of providing the best value to their growers.

MAF custom designed the grading machine to accommodate the handling of the zantedeschia tubers. The system uses advanced camera and software technology to determine the size of each tuber and uniformly deliver it to trays for storage and shipping. This design includes modified deliveries and transition points, use of specialized materials and unique software programming. These features work together to ensure highly accurate sizing without jeopardizing cosmetic quality.

All sections of the machine operate with variable speed drives allowing maximum flexibility in staffing of the system. The machine also has the ability to adjust to tubers with variable quality characteristics. It was designed to adapt to efficiently handle the quality check and re-sizing of product that happens later in the season.

GSBG is currently working on fine tuning their system to be able to handle their other seasonal crops they produce.

For more information
Golden State Bulb Growers, Inc.
3060 Hilltop Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039
USA
www.goldenstatebulb.com

MAF Industries
www.mafindustries.com

Publication date: Tue 28 Apr 2015