Failte modernise line with Herbert Barrel Washer

Fáilte Produce Ltd., one of Scotland’s leading specialist fresh produce companies with over 50 years’ experience in supplying hotels, schools, restaurants and catering outlets across Scotland, have recently installed a new 3m barrel washer and drier to modernise their line and improve quality.

15 years ago, Herbert supplied a washer and drier system to Forsyth Produce, recently acquired by Fáilte, and a visit to Herbert’s stand at this year’s Fruit Logistica by Fáilte director, Jim Cummisky, and Alan Forsyth gave them the opportunity to identify their options to renew and upgrade the line.

A new 3m barrel washer, with capacity for up to 15 tonnes per hour throughput, stainless steel construction throughout for easier and more effective cleaning and greater hygiene, and easy sludge removal, was identified as the ideal choice and the decision was made to place the order.

Herbert manufactures a range of 3m, 4m, 5m and now 6m barrel washers in mild steel or stainless steel with highly efficient water recycling and sludge removal systems and with the capacity to clean from five to 75 tonnes of potatoes per hour.

At the time, Fáilte were also moving plants, so the Herbert team was able to assist with the whole relocation process and, two weeks prior to completion, a new drier was ordered and delivered on time, its single chain construction proving to be a winner in terms of ease and speed of maintenance and efficiency.

Herbert’s Glen Burt, said: “Fáilte are well known for their high quality so the new barrel washer has enabled them to improve the quality of the finished produce, reduce wastage, cut down water usage and improve throughput. We don’t just supply machinery to our customers but work closely with them to ensure that they are getting the most benefits and using the equipment most efficiently. So, when we learned that the line was to be relocated, we were very pleased not only to advise them but also to work with them to decommission and re-commission the line in its new location.