Vidalia onion grower G&R Farms based in Glennville, GA, recently announced it has upgraded and installed a new, high-tech grading and packing line. The massive project has been in the works for eight years and is expected to be in full operation in March 2023.
According to a company release, “The new grading equipment is more precise, maximizing packing efficiency and product quality with a stunning speed almost 80 percent faster than existing equipment. It optimizes accuracy in sizing, and provides delicate processing, resulting in less mechanical damage to the onion. Due to the accuracy of the sizer, more uniformity can be found in pack sizes, as well, allowing the company to ship exact customer specs noted in their preferences.”
Shipping Manager/Inventory Control Supervisor Fabian Murillo said, “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. 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 release added, “With inflation still ever-present and top-of-mind for everyone in the supply chain, the new enhancements will allow for continued competitive pricing through added efficiency and accuracy of the grader, giving G&R Farms an advantage in fiscally trying times and meeting changing retail and consumer demands.”
And G&R Farms CEO Blake Dasher 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. 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.”
