Start-up
processing and packaging line
for fruit, vegetables, and salad leaves

Start-up line with a modular setup that grows with your operations – from the raw product to the packaged goods

The semi-automatic basic processing and packaging line provides start-ups and small and medium-sized companies with an introduction to fresh-cut production that offers low space requirements and high flexibility. The line is designed to be expanded step by step – from the basic line (step 1) to the fully equipped production line (step 2 or 3).

Preparing, cutting, washing, drying, and packaging 100 to 900 kg per hour

The line is used for the complete processing of the raw material to the end product packaged in bags. It integrates a multitude of KRONEN machines with a solution from the KRONEN partner GKS Packaging.

Step 1 – Basic line:
The raw product is checked and prepared by up to four employees at the preparation station. It is then cut using the GS 10-2 belt cutting machine, washed with the HEWA 3800 washing machine, and disinfected where needed. The product is then gently discharged via the vibration outfeed, and the water is filtered and reused. Next, the product falls into the spin-dryer baskets on the basket carousel. An employee places the baskets in the KS-100 PLUS spin-dryer one by one for drying and then fills the FLEX M bag packaging machine.

Step 2 – expanding the line:
As the production volume grows, the line can be easily expanded, for example by adding a conveyor belt from the cutting machine to the washing unit, an additional raised HEWA 2600 as a pre-washing machine, or another KS-100 PLUS spin-dryer. The semi-automatic KWT 16 weighing platform can also be added to the packaging machine.

Step 3 – maximum expansion:
For maximum expansion, a fully automatic multi-head weigher can be added instead of the KWT 16 weighing platform – for maximum packaging efficiency – and a third spin-dryer can also be used.

The following machines and solutions are integrated into the line:

1. Preparation: Trimming table for 4 people
2. Cutting: GS 10-2 belt cutting machine, optionally with a large selection of different knives 
   • Conveying: in step 2 with the PLUS inclined conveyor belt
3. Washing: HELICAL washing machine HEWA 3800 with vibration outfeed and insect and fine particle removal system
   • Pre-washing: in step 2 with a a raised HELICAL washing machine HEWA 2600 with vibration outfeed
4. Drying: KS-100 PLUS lettuce and vegetable spin-dryer with basket carousel 
   • Higher performance: in step 2 with two spin-dryers or in step 3 with three spin-dryers    
5. Packaging: GKS packaging solution with FLEX L packaging machine
   • The packaging machine can be optionally fitted with a connection for gas flushing for MAP packaging of products and with a printer for details such as the lot number, barcode and best before date.
   • Discharge conveyor with an optional metal detector
   • Turntable for buffering
   • Weighing: a KWT 16 weighing platform can be added for expansion level step 2, or alternatively, a platform with a multi-head weigher and inclined conveyor can be added for expansion level step 3

Application options and capacities:

The line is ideal for processing leaf lettuce such as iceberg lettuce, lollo rosso, or arugula/rocket, as well as vegetables such as cut carrots, bell peppers, and cabbages and for cut fruit.

Its capacity depends on the product processed and the packaging size. The line can process capacities such as:

• Up to  300 kg/h  of iceberg lettuce in step 1 –start-up line
• Up to 600 kg/h of iceberg lettuce in step 2 – expanded line
• Up to  900 kg/h of iceberg lettuce in step 3 – maximum expansion