News on Processing Equipment from the Americas

As a leading grower of fresh potatoes, Wada Farms set out to improve efficiency, enhance product quality, and reduce reliance on manual labor. All while preparing for future growth.

Backer’s Potato Chips upgraded its aging bulk storage system with Vanmark’s six-bin solution, boosting unloading speed, reducing downtime, and cutting maintenance costs—allowing the family business to focus on growth and meeting rising demand.

The potatoes you pack today define your reputation tomorrow. Customers expect quality, consistency, and on-time deliveries. But can your grading technology keep up?

Gary and Alan Hafner have acquired majority ownership of Layton Systems, purchasing shares from Julia Rich. Building on the legacies of John Layton and Jerry Allen-Rich, the Hafners aim to drive growth while upholding the company’s values and mission.

TNA Solutions will showcase the tna conti-pro PEL 3 fryer and integrated systems at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, booth W‑2350, offering efficient pellet/extruded snack frying, seamless distribution, automated packaging, and less waste.

FPS Food Process Solutions expands its End-to-End French fry processing expertise with senior hires Dave Rogers, Mike Holden & Ronald Muller, bringing decades of global potato industry experience to enhance operations, projects & customer support.

Reading Bakery Systems (RBS), a global leader in snack food production systems, has announced a significant expansion of its Customer Care team to provide enhanced support for customers worldwide.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, held from September 29 till October 1, brings 35,000+ packaging and processing pros, 2,300 exhibitors, and unmatched networking. It’s the premier hub for innovation, connections, and industry growth.

NPC invites proposals for Potato Expo 2026 sessions on innovation, tech, trends & collaboration. Formats: 20–40 min talks or panels. Submit by Sept 12; notifications by Oct 10. Topics: production, trade, tech, research, policy & more.

Key Technology (Key), a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group, introduces its COMPASS® belt-fed optical sorter at Pack Expo Las Vegas booth W-1040.

Regulations on food safety, labour scarcity, and environmental pressures are driving the need for smarter, more sustainable solutions. Waste doesn’t just affect visual quality. It disrupts automation, clogs up machines, and costs money. 

Gov. Mills and UMaine leaders reopened the modernized Aroostook Farm after a USD 3 Million upgrade, boosting Maine’s potato research with advanced tech to speed new variety development like the Caribou Russet, supporting jobs and the agri-economy.

Bem Brasil optimized logistics with Mecalux automation, boosting frozen food storage to 550,000+ tons/year. Two new warehouses improved efficiency, traceability, and cut waste.

Sinobake showcased advanced potato chip and biscuit production lines at FISPAL TECNOLOGIA 2025, held June 24–27 at São Paulo Expo. Visitors explored efficient, flexible machinery designed to boost food production quality and operational output.

Intralox LugDrive Series 8240 is a hygienic, solid thermoplastic belt built for small transfers. Able to wrap around transfer rollers as small as 1 in (25 mm) in diameter

In the second half of 2024 alone, multiple high-profile contaminant outbreaks shook the food industry—and challenged consumers’ trust in it.

Robots in potato farming help ease labor shortages, cut costs, and boost yields by automating tasks like planting and harvesting. Paired with smart tools like crop monitoring, they improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable farming.

PPM Technologies, a member of Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling group, introduces their new BatchWright™ frying system for kettle-style potato chips and other root vegetable snacks.