COMPAC INNOVATIONS August 2006
Regular news and offerings from Compac Sorting Equipment for the post harvest sector

Including:

Produce News

International Events

Compac News

New Developments

Service Update

Past Newsletters

Compac in the Media

Feedback

 

Compac Website

 

 

 

 

 

 
















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Compac News

CA Stonefruit duplicate installation:

The largest producer of stonefruit in California is about to duplicate their large state of the art packhouse. Gerawan Farming specializes in growing, packing and marketing high quality tree ripened peaches and nectarines though their PRIMA brand. In 2002 they installed their first Compac sizer with advanced distribution and automatic line speed control features for maximizing the efficiency of hand packing. There are now 4 x 5 lane Compac sorters installed in their main facility in Reedley , California . The very successful performance, gentle fruit handling and optimum packing efficiency have meant that Gerawan are duplicating this plant with a further 4 x 5 lane Compac packing lines will be installed for the 2007 season.

USA Market Manager appointed:
After a long search we are pleased to announce the appointment of Don Armson as the new Market Manager for USA. Don will be based in the Compac California office in Visalia.

Used Machines:

We have some new machines listed - a 6 lane apple sorter, first installed in 2000, based in Hawkes Bay. This is a great machine and deserves a good home. Also available is a 2002 3 lane Compac tomato sizer with color and complete infeed and carton system based in Australia, a 4 lane kiwi machine and a 6 lane cup sizer.
Click here to check out the details and more pics.

Expanded DVD :
The Compac DVD has been expanded to include films for Avocados and Bell Peppers (Capsicum). Contact your local representative or e-mail info@compacsort.com for a free copy.

Website in French:
www.compacsort.com has been fully translated into French as well as English, Italian and Spanish. These are easily accessible from anywhere on the site.

Website Customer Area:

Apply now for a password to view the customer members area of www.compacsort.com and have on-line access to:
- the Compac parts catalogue
- upgrade information
- service info
- new features available


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New Compac Developments


NEW RELEASE:
Compac Scion Controller

Download a brochure
Just released is a new simple and economical solution to replace your old sizer electronics, or to reduce the cost of a Compac SLS or DLS machine. The Compac Scion is easy to use with back lit touch screen display, ideal for packhouse environments. More information will be coming soon but feel free to contact us for details.

NEW FEATURE:
Skin Texture Grading for Citrus
InVision 9000 is now successfully grading for skin texture. This is an optional feature for new or existing InVision 9000 systems. Texture grading is ideal for removing "puff and crease" or "albedo breakdown " affected fruit, commonly found in citrus. Contact us now to find out how texture grading can improve your business.

NEW TECHNOLOGY:
Internal Defect Grading

NIR has gone to a new level with Taste Technologies' newly developed T1 NIR system which has improved the performance of internal defect grading of produce. Apples and potatoes have been the first to benefit from this new technology. For more information, contact Taste Technologies.


InVision Blemish Update:
Kiwifruit has seen 5 sheds successfully operating pre graders with InVision 7000IR systems this season in NZ. Improved packing costs, labor efficiency and consistent quality grading has been enjoyed. Kiwifruit blemish grading has proven to be more difficult than expected, but the results of continuous development efforts by the Compac vision team is benefiting the industry.
Apples have seen exciting new concepts in applying blemish technology this year. With sheds operating InVision 9000IR technology in NZ, Australia and USA, development is coming on in leaps and bounds.

IR vs NIR :
One of the common misunderstandings in the packing industry is the difference between grading with Infra Red and Near Infra Red technology. These are quite different technologies and we hope the following explanations will clarify the difference between them:
- IR or Infra Red grading is using IR light to view produce externally with cameras. This removes the confusion of colors and is used for sizing fruit or to improve blemish grading by identifying physical damage on the fruit. Contact us for more information on IR grading.
- NIR or Near Infra Red is looking inside the fruit to measure internal characteristics. NIR uses a different sector of the infra red light spectrum than IR cameras. NIR is used for identifying dry matter or brix (total soluble solids) to identify the current or eventual taste of the fruit. NIR is also used for identifying internal color and internal defects of some fruit types.
There are different NIR systems;
Reflectance
penetrates light a few millimeters under the skin and measures the wavelengths of the light reflected back.
Transference
penetrates light into the fruit and measures the wavelengths of the light that passes through the fruit.
Each system has pros and cons for different applications and fruit types. For more information, contact Taste Technologies.

Contact Us for further information on any of the new products mentioned above.

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Service Update

Training Seminars - Australia:
Planning is currently underway for training seminars in Australia. We will be in contact with all customers shortly with more details. If you would like to get your booking in early, please e-mail service@compacsort.com.

New Staff:

We have a new member to the Californian team join us this month. Bob Eker joins a list of new technicians expanding the Compac international service team this year. Improving service is a top priority for Compac and we hope you are experiencing the benefits first hand.

Australian Free Phone Number:
All Australian customers can now call our service line toll free on 1800 682 857.

Parts List On-line:

The Compac spare parts catalogue is now available online. Apply now for a password to access this via our customer information area.


For any questions or suggestions relating to service, e-mail service@compacsort.com.

 

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Produce News

Some of the latest international news that may be of interest: Feel free to explore from the links below or via our links page to discover more industry news and information.

International Events

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Industry Links

 

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Compac News in the Media

 

Also in the Press:

  • New US order sorted
    Horticulture News - July 2006


  • NZ Technology makes a mark in the US industry
    NZ Engineering News - June 2006

  • Four-lane grader ups the flow
    Southern Paprika Capsicum line
    Northern Advocate - June 2006

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Press Releases

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Past Newsletters

For last quarter's Compac Innovations click here.

For past Compac Innovations click here.

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Feedback

If you'd like to contribute any information or have any comments please forward them to newsletter@compacsort.com

 

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