Manufacturer of (Potato) Salad and Sides invests in a TOMRA peeling line.

For more than 40 years, Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen has supplied high quality salads and side dishes, using only premium ingredients including locally grown potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Based in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the business places great emphasis on the quality of its raw materials - ensuring its products are fresh - and looks to exceed expectations.

Since its establishment, Mrs. Gerry’s has been growing steadily and has undertaken nine expansions of its production facility.

The latest expansion by the company, which includes the Orbit 350 steam peeling line from TOMRA Sorting Food, allowed them to expand its ‘Ready to Eat Refrigerated Entrees’.

More than 120 different products including its ‘Original Potato Salad’ - the recipe that started it all in 1973 - are now produced by the business.

Chad Vogt:

“We spent six months researching various peeling solutions for our processing line and toured manufacturing facilities to evaluate steam consumption data before choosing TOMRA’s machines to fulfil our requirements.”

TOMRA’s technical team visited the manufacturing facility in Albert Lea to see first-hand the challenges and requirements of the customer.

Following a process audit and an efficiency test of the existing solution, it became clear that peeling efficiency, steam supply and consumption could be improved.

Chad Vogt:

“We are very familiar with the innovative solutions manufactured by TOMRA, as we have been using their steam peeling machines since 2001.”

“We recently purchased TOMRA’s Orbit 350 peeler with OBD 6/20 brusher and M01 steam accumulator, as part of our expansion plans.”

Productivity into growth

Chad Vogt:

“The Orbit peeler is able to process large quantities of produce with a shorter cycle time, while also reducing steam usage, which has led to significant increases in productivity and the reduction of energy costs.”

“We know that we are now using less steam than before and the machine also provides improvements in the uniformity of peeling, which can help to reduce waste.”

The Orbit peeler uses innovative technology to carefully monitor and send information to the machine’s control panel, ensuring the lowest steam times and the reduction of peel loss to minimal levels.

Chad Vogt:

“Shorter cycle times and increased productivity give us the opportunity to focus on continuing to grow our existing business and securing new customers through the development of new product ranges, while maintaining our reputation for high-quality products and remaining profitable.”

“The equipment is very user-friendly and we are proud to be utilising the latest technologies to increase efficiency and ensure every product has the highest quality, flavour and value for our customers.”