FOOD IN ENGINEERING
SMC HAS
THE ENERGY
TO SAVE THE
COMMON SPUD
Glorious spuds are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. As a staple
food item the world over, potatoes play a key role in the world’s food
supply. This humble starch is the world’s fourth-largest food crop and
was first introduced in the second half of the 16th Century by the Spanish.
The kestrel potato makes up part of 60,000 tons of potatoes dealt with
every year by The South Australian Potato Company.
Fast-forward to 2018 and The South Australian
Potato Company, founded by the Raschella family
has been supplying perfect potatoes for every
recipe, every occasion and every season for more
than 20 years.
“Despite the bad wrap that potatoes sometimes
get, they are virtually fat free and have 40%
less carbohydrates than cooked pasta or rice.
Potatoes are also gluten and cholesterol free and
contain more fibre than five bananas,” says Jay
Dawson, maintenance manager for the company.
The South Australian Potato Company is an
independently-run business situated in Mount
Barker, South Australia. The team comprises
more than 100 passionate employees who help to
grow, pack and market over 60, 000 tons of fresh
potatoes for consumption each year.
“Exclusive to the South Australian Potato
Company, and what’s made us famous, is the
Kestrel Potato which is instantly recognizable by
its smooth white skin and unique purple spots.
The purple skin markings are formed naturally by
antioxidants called anthocyanin, the flavonoid also
found in other superfoods such as blueberries,”
says Dawson.
SMC DELIVERED ON MORE THAN JUST THE INITIAL
PROJECT SCOPE
Of course, dealing with more than 60, 000 tons of
potatoes annually requires quality automation by
reliable suppliers to ensure always-on productivity
and extreme care with this wholesome produce.
When looking to kit out its factory which does
everything from washing and sorting to weighing
and packaging potatoes, The South Australian
Potato Company looked to SMC as its preferred
supplier.
Dawson says: “In selecting the perfect automation
partner we look to deciding factors such as an
excellent, broad product range, superior technical
expertise, a factory maintenance plan, a reputable
brand that aligns with ours and a company that is
innovative and keeps up with the trends.
“Cost is also a big driver for us. In both the good
and bad times, we enjoy steady, competitive
pricing and great value. We want to build
relationships with our suppliers and as such, SMC
fitted the bill to the tee.”