FPS Food Process Solutions provides complete turnkey potato processing solutions covering the entire production process from raw potato receiving to final packaging. Through its global manufacturing network and the capabilities of CMP Canada, GEM Equipment, Southern Fabrication Works, and OptiCept Technologies, FPS combines processing equipment, advanced technologies, and industry expertise to deliver integrated solutions for modern French fry and specialty potato processing plants.
With decades of experience working alongside potato processors worldwide, FPS can integrate individual processing equipment or complete production lines according to plant capacity, product specifications, and operational requirements.
Raw Potato Receiving and Preparation
Raw receiving is the starting point of the potato processing line. FPS solutions support the unloading of potatoes from trucks and storage facilities while helping remove dirt, vines, rocks, and other foreign materials.
The process also includes potato sizing and quality sampling. Proper sizing ensures potatoes are directed to the appropriate processing line, while laboratory analysis helps processors assess the quality of incoming raw material before production.
Pulsed Electric Field Technology
Through its collaboration with OptiCept Technologies, FPS offers the OPTICEPT® S Series Pulsed Electric Field solution for solid food processing.
PEF treatment softens potato tissue and can help reduce cutting breakage and feathering, supporting improved cutting performance and product quality. The technology can also contribute to reduced water and energy consumption and improved overall processing efficiency.
Precision Hydrocutting Solutions
FPS Group company Southern Fabrication Works provides high-capacity hydrocutting systems designed for accurate and efficient potato cutting.
An adjustable taper-roll sizing system directs potatoes to the appropriate hydrocutting line, followed by alignment tubes and precision-engineered cutting blocks. The systems can produce French fry sticks, slices, wedges, and specialty cuts in different dimensions.
Key technologies include Fin Aligner technology, precision cutting heads, and automated product switcher systems for high-capacity and accurate production.
Advanced Blanching Systems
FPS Group company GEM Equipment provides blanching systems designed to deliver consistent product treatment while supporting efficient water and energy use.
The portfolio includes two-zone belt blanchers, multi-zone belt blanchers, and rotary blanchers. Depending on production requirements, systems can incorporate hot-water, cold-water, steam-assisted, or thermal-flow processing technologies.
Controlled blanching helps reduce enzymatic activity and remove surface sugars before subsequent processing stages.
SAPP and Dextrose Application
Following blanching, FPS provides precision ingredient application systems for SAPP and dextrose.
Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (SAPP) helps control discoloration and maintain consistent product appearance, while dextrose supports controlled color development during frying. These ingredients can be applied through flume dosing, dip conveyors, spray, or waterfall application systems.
FPS also provides manual to fully automated mixing and dosing systems designed to achieve accurate solution concentrations, hygienic operation, and consistent ingredient distribution.
High-Efficiency Drying Systems
After blanching and ingredient application, French fries are dewatered and evenly distributed across the dryer belt.
FPS drying systems precisely control temperature, humidity, airflow, and retention time to achieve the required moisture and dry-solids content. Heated circulating air removes surface moisture before drawing moisture from within the potato strips.
For specialty potato products, FPS also offers a combined Dryer/Retrograder system that uses cooler air to retrograde starches before shredding.
Batter Mixing and Application Systems
FPS provides integrated batter systems for French fry and specialty potato processing.
The system combines dry ingredient handling, weighing, mixing, hydration, storage, dosing, batter capture, and recirculation to provide consistent batter preparation and application.
Batter applicators can be configured with conveyor or dipping technologies and durable wide belts designed for high production rates. Hygienic stainless-steel construction and optional CIP features support sanitation and efficient changeovers.
French Fry and Specialty Potato Fryers
FPS and GEM provide frying solutions engineered for French fries, coated fries, and specialty potato products.
French Fry Fryers
GEM French Fry Fryers use controlled oil flow and temperature management to achieve consistent color, texture, and cooking performance. Advanced filtration and oil management technologies support product quality and efficient fryer operation.
Specialty Potato Fryers
GEM Specialty Fryers are designed for products such as hash browns, croquettes, and other formed or extruded potato products.
Their design supports reliable product handling while maintaining consistent frying performance and efficient oil management.
Freezing and Chilling Solutions
FPS provides turnkey freezing and chilling systems for French fries and specialty potato products.
Its freezer tunnels use advanced product separation and fluidization technologies. PulseFlow™ IQF technology continuously lifts, separates, and fluidizes products through the freezer, supporting rapid freezing while minimizing ice-crystal formation.
This helps preserve texture, flavor, and individual product separation before downstream processing and packaging.
For specialty potato products, FPS also provides hygienically designed Spiral Freezers, including high-capacity belting configurations suitable for products such as hash browns, patties, and other formed products.
Frozen Product Grading and Packaging
FPS extends its integrated solution from freezer discharge through frozen grading, weighing, inspection, bagging, and final packaging.
The company integrates hygienic conveyors with weighing, bagging, inspection, and other end-of-line systems. These systems can be synchronized with the freezer to provide a continuous flow from frozen product discharge to finished bags ready for case packing and palletizing.
Integrated End-to-End Potato Processing
By bringing together technologies and equipment from across its global group of companies, FPS can deliver complete potato processing lines rather than isolated equipment solutions.
From raw receiving, PEF treatment, hydrocutting, blanching, SAPP and dextrose application, drying, battering, frying, and freezing through grading and packaging, FPS provides processors with an integrated approach to plant design and process optimization.
Supporting Long-Term Processing Performance
FPS works closely with potato processors to understand individual production challenges and develop customized solutions focused on uptime, product consistency, energy and water efficiency, process control, and long-term operational performance.
By combining processing technology, engineering expertise, equipment manufacturing, and decades of potato-processing experience, FPS provides a comprehensive one-stop solution for modern French fry and specialty potato processing plants.
FPS Food Process Solutions End-to-End Potato Processing Solutions
