September 18, 2024 WENATCHEE, Wash. – Equipped with double the defect sorters and pear-protecting specifications, Stemilt’s BB #:113654 new automated pear packing line aims to put freshness back into every box of Stemilt Rushing Rivers pears.
Stemilt’s Facility Manager, Don Reeves, says this state-of-the-art pear line will increase all around consistency for a box-opening experience that puts quality and flavor first.
“The automated pear line is expected to double our capacity,” says Reeves. “Automatic defect sorters, pear-specific belted brush beds, a bin washer and automated baggers are all features that will help create a uniform pack. These elements help us produce high-quality pears for consumers to enjoy. The automation and increased capacity are important as we prepare for future volume growth on pears.”
On the new line, pears run through two automated defect sorting cameras with a unique ability to flip the pears over carefully in cups to see a 360 view of the pear. Automatic belted brush beds can also be adjusted depending on the delicacy of the pears. Also, a new bin washer will clean bins after every run to save time in production.
“The most automation to be added to the new pear line is the bagging and sorting process,” says Reeves. “Automatic bin fillers are going to help us put fruit back into our controlled atmosphere rooms when packing fresh to order.”
To maximize freshness, packed boxes of pears coming from the new pear line will ride on a conveyor belt straight to cold storage at Stemilt’s Fresh Cube distribution center to ensure the fruit cools quickly.
“The first thing this line is going to prioritize is quality,” says Reeves. “We’ll have less hands on the fruit and a great cold chain going from the packing line all the way to storing which will help as it gets later in the season. The line’s automation shows potential for adding new varieties because we can increase tonnage with our new sorting technology.”
Along with automation, the new line is almost three times the size of Stemilt’s former pear packing line. The larger space allows for a box mezzanine area and will be able to be expanded for consumer packaging in the future.
“The more consistent we can make the box opening experience, the better” says Reeves. “The first pears of the year are already running on the new line, and we’re excited to boost quality and freshness for our new Happi Pear® and Stemilt Rushing Rivers® pears to delight consumers.”
About Stemilt
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt’s mission is to cultivate people and delight consumers with its World Famous Fruits. Stemilt is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears. The company stewards an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible business through its Responsible Choice® program, which has been in place since 1989. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com.
Contact Information:
Brianna Shales
Brianna.shales@stemilt.com
Marketing Director
