Hof Trumann: Sorting brushed potatoes on the family farm with a TOMRA Halo

The family business Hof Trumann has installed a Halo for the sorting of unwashed, brushed potatoes. Since the installation of this equipment there was an increase in efficiency, turnover and quality of the end product.

“Before the installation of the machine, our potatoes were sorted manually” says Mister Bernd Trumann, general manager of Hof Trumann. “Contrary to manual labour, a machine guarantees a consistent performance throughout the day. Therefore I was looking for a sorting solution to ensure a consistent product quality and to provide an answer to strict quality requirements set by the packers. After a short trial period in which a testing machine was installed at our premises, it became clear to me that the Halo was the right solution for us.”

Processing brushed, unwashed potatoes

The harvested potatoes are put in boxes and stored in a cool storage room. The air circulation system which is present in this storage room, ensures that the potatoes are being dried within a few days so that they are ready for further processing.

“At the beginning of our processing line, we have installed a brush system” explains Mister Trumann. “These brushes reduce the amount of soil clinging to the potatoes thus making them brighter. This enhances to accuracy of the inspection performed by the Halo which can easily remove green, small, halves and misshapen potatoes at a capacity of 15 tons per hour.”
 

Optimal sorting

“We have determined that the Halo provides a more effective sorting; this means that employees who sort potatoes by hand, remove more good potatoes compared to the Halo. For example, an employee who notices a bad potato and wants to pick it out, often also removes a good potato at the same time.” Furthermore, the installation of the Halo has reduced the personnel expenditure, explains Herr Trumann:
 

“One single person is now able to run the entire line, where in the past 5 people were required. According to our calculations, we are able to save about 1800 working hours pro year due to the installation of the Halo.”

Benefits of TOMRA's Halo food sorting machine

Mister Trumann explains that his decision to buy a Halo was based on 2 criteria: space requirements and user-friendliness.

“We have decided to buy a Halo because the machine is very compact compared to other similar sorting machines on the market. Due to its small footprint the machine fitted the room we had available and could be easily integrated in our line. A further benefit is the user-friendliness: depending on the incoming defect level, I can easily modify the sorting parameters myself so that no further post-sorting is required.”
 

Excellent support

Since the installation the machine runs flawlessly and even when there is a small problem, the service department from TOMRA is available at all times: “the support is excellent and this is very important for me” tells Mister Trumann. “At all times I can reach a technician and a quick solution is always at hand.”
 

About Hof Trumann

Bernd Trumann, General Manager of Hof Trumann

Hof Trumann, Gr. Gaddau- Waddeweitz in Wendland, Germany is a family business with 1 employee and 3 trainees. Established in 1911, the company is run by Mister Trumann and his wife since 1996.

On an agricultural area of 300 hectare, Hof Trumann grows 90 hectares of potatoes with a yield of 4500-5000 tons pro year. Also crop, sugar beets and rapes are grown.

Hof Trumann mostly delivers to German packers but also to Eastern European countries.