KRONEN GmbH supports fresh-cut producers from starting out with stand-alone machines to installing an automated processing line
From the very first cutting machine to a complete processing and packaging line, KRONEN GmbH offers expandable modular solutions for salad leaf and vegetable processing. The concept of a processing line that grows with operations and two well-established customer partnerships in Germany and Colombia are prime examples of how production capacities and the degree of automation can be expanded step by step.
KRONEN GmbH boasts long-standing experience in planning and implementing complete processing lines for the food industry. Its solutions with a modular setup enable companies to initially launch their production activities with a few machines and then expand their facilities step by step in line with growing demand. An exemplary line concept for the processing and packaging of salad leaves, leafy vegetables, and other vegetables demonstrates how different capacity levels, right through to fully automated processing, can be achieved.
For fresh-cut producers, being able to flexibly upgrade production facilities is an essential requirement. Increasing production volumes, a growing product range, and higher demands in terms of efficiency, hygiene, and automation require adaptable processing technology. At the same time, companies need to be able to economically plan investments. Processing lines with a modular setup enable companies to continue to use their existing machines and integrate additional processing steps according to their individual needs.
From the start-up line to a fully automated complete solution in four expansion steps
As a full-service provider, KRONEN GmbH offers both standalone machines and coordinated processing lines for different production requirements. Its solutions cover the entire process from preparation and cutting to washing and drying and right through to weighing and packaging. To achieve this, KRONEN GmbH combines machines from its own portfolio with complementary technology from partner companies to create coordinated lines. It then supports its customers as the central contact for their entire line.
A semi-automatic basic processing line provides small and medium-sized companies in particular with an introduction to fresh-cut production. The systems are individually coordinated to meet the needs and demands of each processing company and planned in such a way that they can be expanded in the case of growing requirements. An exemplary line concept for the processing and packaging of salad leaves, leafy vegetables, and other vegetables in four expansion steps is a prime example of such step-by-step system expansion.
In the first expansion step, the products are prepared at a trimming table, cut with the GS 10-2 belt cutting machine, then washed in the HEWA 3800 HELICAL washing machine. They are subsequently dried in the KS-100 PLUS lettuce and vegetable spin-dryer before being packaged by the FLEX L packaging machine. This line offers a capacity of up to 200 kg per hour depending on the product processed.
In the case of growing production volumes, the second expansion set adds further machines to the line, for example conveyor technology, an additional cutting machine, a second washing machine for pre-washing, and a further lettuce spin-dryer. The third expansion step involves automating weighing and dosage with a multi-head weigher. With these steps, the possible processing capacity is gradually increased to 600 or 900 kg per hour. In the fourth expansion step, the integration of the K1040H horizontal drying system enables fully automated processing activities with a capacity of up to 1,500 kg per hour.
The machines are all designed to facilitate hygienic and gentle processing with frequent product changes. Their modular setup allows the capacity and degree of automation to be adapted in line with the company’s development.
Pentz: from individual machines to a complete processing line
KRONEN’s long-standing cooperation with the German company Pentz GmbH & Co. KG from Essingen demonstrates how such developments can be implemented in practice. The family company in its fourth generation has been selling eggs since 1948 and added fruit, vegetables, and kitchen-ready products to its portfolio in the 1990s. Its current range includes products such as single-ingredient salads, salad mixes, and raw fruit and vegetables, as well as fruit and vegetables in various cuts.
The cooperation between Pentz and KRONEN GmbH began in 2007 with standalone machines for cutting, washing, and drying. Some of these machines are still in operation in the present day. As the company's business activities grew, it gradually expanded its production facility. Over the following ten years, it installed additional lettuce spin-dryers, a further GS 10 belt cutting machine and a GEWA washing machine. In 2017, a packaging system was added to the production facility to complete the modular processing line.
This development then celebrated yet another milestone in 2026, when a comprehensive processing line was added to the production facility that had been gradually expanded over many years. As a result, KRONEN GmbH has been supporting the further development of Pentz’ processing technology for nearly two decades – from less flexible standalone machines to a high-performance, automated line.
”For us, it is important that our technology can grow with our company. Together with KRONEN, we have been able to expand our processing equipment step by step according to increasing capacities, a growing range, and new requirements,” explained Maximilian Pentz, one of the Managing Directors of Pentz.
Vive Agro: becoming a leading fresh-cut provider step by step
The Colombian company Vive Agro has also been trusting in the gradual expansion of its production facility with machines from KRONEN GmbH for many years. Vive Agro processes fresh fruit and vegetables to create kitchen-ready products for restaurants, large-scale kitchens, supermarkets, and food producers. The company combines efficient processing and certified quality with a lasting active commitment to Colombian agriculture.
Its cooperation with KRONEN began in 2011 with machines for cutting, washing, and drying fruit, vegetables, and salad leaves. It expanded its production facility the very next year, with an additional GEWA washing machine and a KS-100 PLUS lettuce and vegetable spin-dryer both added in 2012. The two washing machines were also connected by an inclined conveyor to enable continuous processing.
In response to growing production volumes, Vive Agro invested in a further lettuce spin-dryer and the FLEX L packaging machine in 2017. In 2026, it plans to additionally integrate a multi-head weigher to further automate its weighing and dosage process.
With these developments, Vive Agro has been upgrading its processing line in cooperation with KRONEN GmbH for the past 15 years. The machines are added in accordance with operational requirements and enable increasing automation of both processing and packaging activities.
”We are completely satisfied with the KRONEN machines. The technology with modular additions helps us continuously increase our capacities and develop our company to become a leading provider in the market,” stated Juan Felipe Arbeláez, Managing Director of Vive Agro.
Line expertise from a single source
The examples of Pentz and Vive Agro show that when planning a processing line, it is important to consider more than just the current production requirements. Future developments such as higher capacities, additional products, and a growing need for automation also play an important role.
This is precisely why KRONEN GmbH accompanies customers from the initial consultation and selection of suitable machines to the planning and start of operation of complete processing lines and right through to ongoing support and future expansions of existing systems. A central contact at the company oversees the coordinated processing steps, also working in cooperation with international partners. Here, the long-standing line expertise of the KRONEN team forms the ideal basis for individually coordinated solutions that can be expanded at any time in the future.
”A processing line needs to suit the requirements of a company – both now and in the future. When planning systems, we therefore do not solely focus on standalone machines, but instead consider the entire processing sequence. We support our companies from the initial consultation to the start of operation and beyond. This enables existing machines to be sensibly integrated and additional processing steps to be automated in line with the customer’s needs,” explained Johannes Günther, Sales Director and Managing Director of KRONEN GmbH.
More information and animation video:
The solutions page of KRONEN GmbH uses an exemplary line concept with four expansion steps to demonstrate how processing solutions can be gradually expanded. Images and an animation video show the individual processing steps and expansion possibilities.
About KRONEN GmbH
KRONEN is a family-managed, globally operating producer and supplier of stand-alone machines, special-purpose machines, and high-tech processing facilities for the fresh-cut industry. The product portfolio of KRONEN and its partners covers fruit, vegetable, and salad leaf processing: from preparing, cutting, washing, drying, dewatering, peeling, and sterilizing right through to packaging. KRONEN additionally offers machines for the processing of meat and fish, special vegan products, baked goods, and pet food.
The company, which is based in Kehl am Rhein, Germany, and has a second production site in the nearby city of Achern, currently employs more than 130 members of staff, has representatives in over 80 countries worldwide, and supplies its products to more than 120 nations all over the globe.
With more than 45 years of experience in food technology, KRONEN prides itself on its quality awareness and constantly strives to achieve the best possible solutions in its day-to-day work. The machine manufacturer focuses on taking a sustainable, holistic approach toward the hygienic, reliable, and resource-friendly production of fresh foods. KRONEN considers itself to be a think tank that provides innovative solutions to benefit its customers and meet all their needs. It guarantees top-quality advice and planning expertise in close cooperation with the industry and research establishments.
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Do you require more or other material? We are happy to help! Feel free to contact us here: presse@kronen.eu, T +49 (0)7854 9646-160 / -161
