‘It took a lot of energy and skill, but we managed to get our new production line operational in six months’
More than half a year ago Jeroen Fondse, Project Engineer at COROOS in Kapelle, together with his team faced a challenging task; the realization of a new process line for packing legumes. “At the existing location, we not only had to set up a new process line, but also modernize the premises and prepare them for the future” says Jeroen. The fact that COROOS, together with partners, managed to take this line from design to production in such a short time is therefore worthy of praise.
New process line for legume packaging
COROOS has two branches: one in Geldermalsen where mainly fruit and vegetable purees are produced, and a branch in Kapelle. In Kapelle, among other things, summer and winter vegetables are processed in jars, cans and bags. Here the plan was conceived in early 2024 to set up a new production line for packing pulses in bags for wholesale. That this new line had to meet both current requirements and future needs went without saying.
Gpi De Gouwe was commissioned to supply part of this process line. This involved an installation for the preparation of canning liquid, which was assembled and constructed from various components. This process system includes a cooking kettle with thrust mixer, steam line, valves and pumps. In addition, the system is fully automated and CIP-cleanable, enabling efficient and hygienic cleaning. Part of the process system is built on a frame (skid) and can be easily operated via a control panel from the walkway with access stairs, which increases operational accessibility and safety.
‘This project is something we are really proud of!’
Thorough preparation and cooperation
COROOS had thoroughly thought through the design of the line and what it needed to be able to do for now and in the future. Jeroen: “I already had experience with process tanks from Gpi and knew that they are a reliable partner that delivers quality products. Gpi realized the desired process equipment exactly as we envisioned.”
That the project required a lot of energy and perseverance from the entire team is evident from Jeroen’s story. “Everything had to be perfectly coordinated and then when unexpected problems crop up, it directly affects the further process. In the end we all managed to take the line from idea to execution in six months. And if the line then works completely as desired, the headaches and sleepless nights are quickly forgotten. This project is something we are really proud of!”
From safety to flexibility
When developing the process line, everything was considered: from safety to hygiene to ease of use and future-proofing. “The line is designed so that our operators can carry out their work safely and efficiently. With just a few operations, spice mix batches are produced fully automatically, and the process equipment is easy to clean without slowing down the production process. Moreover, the line is flexible and can produce other related products in the future. We are responding to changing food trends and can switch quickly with this line” said Jeroen.
Jeroen Fondse – Project Engineer – COROOS
Sustainable and accessible plant-based food
COROOS, founded in 1957, is a Dutch family business that processes fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes daily into healthy, plant-based, flavorful and long-life products in jars, cans, plastic portion packs and bags. The products are mainly sold under well-known supermarket labels in Europe. COROOS also produces these products under its own brand Servero for sales in the Netherlands and through COROOS Export for sales mainly outside Europe. The mission of COROOS is to contribute to the health of people by offering easily accessible, tasty plant-based food, with respect for the planet. This is achieved by establishing sustainable relationships with both suppliers and employees, with COROOS putting sustainability into practice in a transparent and ambitious way.
