Process 1,000 tonnes of onions daily with just six employees? MSP Onions is proving it can be done. Using artificial intelligence and robotics, the Nieuwdorp-based company is optimising production and ensuring food safety. "We were especially looking for consistent performance so that we no longer have to shut down due to unforeseen circumstances," the company says.
© Flikweert Vision
Since its founding in 1983 by the Moerdijk brothers, MSP Onions has grown into a major player in the onion market. The family business grades, packs, and exports onions to 84 countries worldwide. They have even invested in their own fields, developing into a fully-fledged agricultural company. With short lines of communication to the nearby port of Vlissingen, they can offer flexible and fast deliveries.
Innovation central
With innovation and sustainability in mind, the Factory of the Future was created. This fully automated facility takes over labour-intensive tasks. Intelligent, AI-driven software assesses the external and internal quality of the onions. "It was a huge challenge to match the mechanical operation of the grading machine with AI results. We finally managed to do that, so we can guarantee 99% accuracy," says Lindert Moerdijk, commercial director and co-owner of MSP Onions. "We believe strongly in AI at MSP, because we can see the difference and know exactly what to expect from the machine."
© MSP Onions
Optimising for higher quality and efficiency
One major challenge was keeping the sieves in the onion tailer clean. "Previously, we did this by hand, literally standing with work shoes on the sieve while onions passed over it," Lindert explains. This required five cleanings a day, each with 15 minutes of downtime, plus a weekly deep clean. To improve food safety and reduce labour strain, MSP looked for a solution. In late 2022, they partnered with KV-Techniek, 'The Robot Company'. This Zeeland-based specialist developed a robot that automates sieve changes and cleaning. The process now takes about two minutes instead of 15, with one line running while the robot switches seven on the other. "That is pure profit! The ROI of the robot was very straightforward," Lindert says.
Sorting with AI
As the company transitioned to AI-driven production, the pre-sorter also needed upgrading. The old sorter used algorithms and, according to Lindert, "it was always a bit of a surprise what it was going to do." Flikweert Vision's AI solutions now deliver consistent results. With two Dividers, the machine analyses ten images per onion to determine quality. Thanks to optical AI sorting, the machines run from early morning to late evening without stopping. "We never have to halt for a large stone, a piece of wood, or clods. This has greatly improved continuity and saved three to four workers," says Lindert.
© KV-Techniek
Poor harvest
The first year with the new technology proved its worth. In the Netherlands, a poor-quality harvest left many soft onions, but the Flikweert Vision machine efficiently removed the worst ones. The remaining onions passed through the shearer, with the robot cleaning sieves more often and in less time, creating a smooth and productive line.
New plans
"Now everything is up and running, and when we see their flexibility, service level, and how quickly they respond to new requirements. They are two great partners to work with!" says Lindert. He attributes their flexibility to being smaller companies, allowing KV-Techniek and Flikweert Vision to adapt quickly to customer needs. Plans are in place for a new factory, and these automation specialists will again be involved. "We want to make a difference with better quality, a better process, and as few people as possible," Moerdijk concludes.
Flikweert Vision will also be present at the upcoming Potato Europe on 3 and 4 September. The company can be found at stand F8-06.
For more information:
MSP Onions
Hertenweg 32a
4455 TL Nieuwdorp
[email protected]
www.msp-onions.com
KV-Techniek
Columbusweg 66
4462 HB Goes
www.kv-techniek.nl
Flikweert Vision
Platte Capelledijk 1
4306 NE Nieuwerkerk
www.flikweertvision.nl