Deprez Highlights Factory of the Future Approach Through Long-Term Partnership With Pomuni

Deprez is highlighting the development of automated product handling and logistics through its long-standing partnership with Belgian potato company Pomuni, while preparing to present its "The Factory of the Future" concept at Fruit Attraction and Interpom in 2026.

Pomuni, based in Ranst, Belgium, is a fourth-generation family business led by CEO Ben Muyshondt together with his sister Nele and brother Hans. The company traces its history to 1928, when the family operated as fruit and vegetable traders at the market in Antwerp before later focusing on potatoes.

Ben Muyshondt, CEO of Pomuni:

"My name is Ben Muyshondt. I am currently CEO of Pomuni, a fourth-generation family business that I run together with my sister Nele and my brother Hans.

Pomuni was founded in 1928. Our great-grandfather was a fruit and vegetable trader at the market in Antwerp. At some point in the following years, we shifted our focus to potatoes."

Long-Term Partnership Between Pomuni and Deprez

The relationship between Pomuni and Deprez dates back to the previous generation. Over the years, both family-owned companies have expanded their operations, with Deprez developing and adapting handling solutions for Pomuni's requirements.

Ben Muyshondt:

"Our first contact with Deprez goes back to the previous generation. Johan Deprez and Bart spent not hours, but days talking, thinking, developing, adapting and starting again. Always with the desire to think ahead, focusing on solutions without imposing limitations.

From the beginning, it therefore felt like a natural match. Their way of working closely aligns with ours: practical, committed, but above all future-oriented."

Capacity, Flexibility and Product Range Expansion

As Pomuni expanded, the company required additional capacity as well as greater flexibility and the ability to broaden its product range. These requirements led Pomuni and Deprez to develop a multi-year roadmap for the facility.

Ben Muyshondt:

"As the fourth generation, we faced several challenges. It wasn't only about additional capacity, but above all about flexibility and expanding our product range. We approached Deprez with these questions and developed a multi-year roadmap together.

Given our previous experience with Deprez, we knew they would be the right partner: technically strong, taking responsibility, but above all offering a partnership for the long term. Thanks to the decisions we made at that time, today we can respond smoothly to customer demand."

The installations at Pomuni are designed to support the company's logistics process, productivity and overall plant performance. 
 

Automation, Optimization and Innovation

Pomuni and Deprez have continued to develop as family-owned businesses while increasing the level of professionalization and automation within their operations.

Ben Muyshondt:

"Deprez, like Pomuni, is a growing family business. Every day there is a drive to become even more professional, while always remaining grounded in family values, commitment and responsibility."

Continued investment in technology forms part of Pomuni's approach to improving operational efficiency and preparing its facilities for future requirements.

Ben Muyshondt:

"As our grandfather always said, 'Standing still means going backwards.' Every day a little more efficient, every day a little better. And that is only possible by continuously investing in automation, optimization and, above all, innovation."

Deprez Presents The Factory of the Future

Deprez is extending these principles through its interactive journey, "The Factory of the Future," which explores how processing facilities can maximize capacity while minimizing their physical footprint and moving products through facilities more efficiently. The concept brings together smart goods handling, automation and tailor-made engineering across the complete product flow, covering receiving, internal transport, storage and processing.

Deprez develops handling installations for different operating requirements, including products transported in bulk, in bins or through a combination of both. Systems are engineered according to the product, production process and operational requirements of individual facilities. 
 

Factory of the Future at Fruit Attraction and Interpom

• Deprez will present "The Factory of the Future" at Fruit Attraction in Madrid from October 6–8, 2026, at Booth 10B28A.
• The concept will subsequently be presented at Interpom in Kortrijk from November 29–December 1, 2026, at Booth 118.

At both exhibitions, Deprez will demonstrate how receiving, internal transport, storage, processing and automation can be integrated to improve product flow, increase capacity and make more efficient use of available facility space.