A specialized U.K. provider of automated potato packing and palletizing solutions is eyeing the U.S. as a potential market in 2024. PACE Mechanical Handling has declared its intention to create a dealer network within the U.S. to collaborate with additional foreign producers and packers of potatoes.

Established in 1996, PACE has undertaken more than 250 installations in the U.K., and its end-of-line solutions are relied upon by some of the UK’s largest potato packers.

Since 2019, the firm has been represented in Canada by HS Automation, which has resulted in the completion of four projects there.

“In the UK, our end-of-line solutions are found in a wide range of industries, from fresh produce and food processing to aggregates and animal feed bagging, but our strongest market is the potato industry. Our automated solutions enable companies to do more with less, overcome labor shortages, and pack their produce quickly and efficiently. With a market-leading position established in the UK, we’re now keen to grow our presence overseas and see the US as a real opportunity. I have family in California, and from what they tell me, companies in the United States face similar issues to those in the UK. As we have a strong track record of helping UK potato packers reduce their end-of-line costs and increase their productivity, I’m confident we can do the same for American companies,” Nick Cesare, Director, mentioned.

Due to its tight collaboration with Motoman Robots in Japan and the Innova Group and TMI in Spain, PACE already has a significant global footprint.

With its custom equipment, such as the Gemini twin head weigher, Orion Weigher, Orion Weigher, and sack placer, and the CBC sack placer and stitcher line, PACE supplements the offerings of Motorman, Innova, and TMI.