Ukraine: A Fresh Start for Reno LLC with Marcelissen Potato Processing Technology

Reno LLC is a potato processing company rooted in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine. After a turbulent period, their factory needed to be rebuilt to restart production. With resilience and determination they have made a fresh start. During this process they searched for a new processing line for their potatoes. Thanks to support from the DHI subsidy provided by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Marcelissen were able to supply Reno LLC with a demonstration model of a peeling line with water transport.

A tough challenge

When the factory suffered severe damage, Reno LLC faced a major challenge. After a period of stagnation and uncertainty, it quickly became clear that entirely new machines were needed to get production back on track. The obstacles were significant, but they did not shy away from them.

While searching for a solution to relaunch their potato processing operations, owner Sergey Zavgorodniuk contacted Marcelissen. He was looking for a reliable Western European processing line to restart production quickly. Marcelissen had the right technology to breathe new life into the company.

A brand-new setup

The key to success lay in brand-new machines from Marcelissen. A peeling line with water transport was an entirely new setup, one that had never been installed at a customer’s site before. With a capacity of no less than 3.000 kg, this machine is a major upgrade compared to Reno LLC’s previous equipment. Alongside the peeling line, several other machines were installed in Ukraine:

• Drum Knife Peeler: A global standard for peeling and re-peeling of potatoes and other root vegetables.
• Transport Auger: Ideal for controlled transport of potatoes and other root vegetables.
• Auger Destoner: Essential for removing sand and stones from the production flow.
• Wet Hopper with Outfeed Conveyor Belt: Designed for receiving and buffering
• Inspection Belt: A flat conveyor belt for inspecting and sorting processed or cut end products.
• Electronical Weigher with Wet Hopper: This automatic weighing machine has an electronic weighing system. Weight settings and other parameters can be adjusted via a touchscreen. Once the preset weight is reached, the supply chain stops and the weigher is ready to release the batch into a bag or container.

Installing the machines required thorough preparation. Under the supervision of Marcelissen's Technical Director Sjoerd Treuen, the Reno LLC team successfully installed the line. Maintenance for these machines is carried out remotely. From the company location in Venlo, Marcelissen monitor the machines’ status and provide Reno LLC with guidance on resolving any issues in the best possible way. This significantly reduces travel time, allowing Reno LLC’s technical team to handle maintenance independently.

Ukraine, Europe’s potato powerhouse

The peeling line enables Reno LLC to run its potato production in Kyiv at full capacity. Ukraine is the largest potato producer in Europe, making Marcelissen’s machines a perfect fit for the specific needs of the local market. Not only do they offer a solution for current challenges, but they also lay the foundation for future growth.

Although the company has ambitions to expand internationally in the future, its current focus remains on strengthening its position in the domestic market. This investment is a crucial step in restoring and expanding their production capacity, allowing them to meet the rising demand within Ukraine. Sergey Zavgorodniuk is highly satisfied with this project's outcome and the machines' performance.

Sergey Zavgorodniuk:

"Thank you so much for the machines and guidance throughout the project. The machines look great but also the ease of use of the control panel’s interface is outstanding. The first production hours were successful, and I am convinced this will continue!"

A source of inspiration

Almost naturally, the impact of this peeling line is staggering. It not only provides Reno LLC an impressive capacity expansion, but also allows them to explore new production opportunities. Processing potatoes on such a large scale is unique in that region and an invaluable asset.

The plant also operates as a demo environment for other potato processors from Ukraine. Companies from the region visit to see the advanced production line and experience all the possibilities. This opening up not only creates opportunities for Reno LLC to share its expertise, but also inspires other players in the market. For example, the plant serves as a center of development within the Ukrainian potato industry. It illustrates the unity within a country in difficult times.