Burgess Farms Boosts Efficiency and Quality with New Haith Wash Line
Just six months after installing a new potato wash line from Haith Group, Burgess Farms is already reaping significant benefits in throughput and quality at its Sutton Bridge site.
The updated line, which went operational in October 2023, has notably enhanced production efficiency while introducing advanced optical grading and sorting capabilities. The investment reflects Burgess Farms’ broader commitment to innovation and sustainability in UK root vegetable supply.
“For us, this wasn’t just about speed—it was about consistency, reliability, and ensuring that product quality met the highest customer standards,” said David Booth, Engineering Manager at Burgess Farms. “We looked for best-in-class equipment and Haith delivered exactly that.”
The Sutton Bridge site, with a history of potato processing dating back to 1964, has long played a central role in the company’s operations. Today, Burgess Farms aims to lead the UK market in sustainable roots and organic vegetables, supported by regenerative farming initiatives and long-term strategic partnerships.
The new line includes several key components designed for operational efficiency and product integrity. It begins with Haith’s electrically powered RotaTip TE box tipper, which reduces forklift movement. Potatoes then pass through a web soil remover, SupaFlume de-stoner, and semi-submerged barrel washer equipped with rubber pintles and a debris removal system.
Drying is handled by Haith’s Direct-Drive Sponge Roller Dryer, which lowers maintenance needs thanks to a shaft-mounted drive system. Final grading is performed by a Newtec Celox P-DUAL-UHD camera, capable of sorting by size, shape, and multiple quality parameters—including fresh damage, black spots, green areas, and rot.
Each of the twelve grading lanes is paired with a Haith VertiFill Pro box filler and weight-controlled platform scales. The entire line is monitored via CCTV, enabling a single operator to oversee and control all functions from a central workstation.
“As our high-quality potato business continues to expand, this line provides us with greater operational flexibility, accuracy, and the ability to uphold our strong quality culture,” said Mike Scott, Managing Director – Potatoes at Burgess Farms.
Haith’s Sales Manager Rob Highfield welcomed the successful outcome of the project. “We’re always pleased to hear such positive feedback, particularly from new customers,” he said. “Burgess Farms placed their trust in us, and we’re proud to have delivered a system that meets their high standards. We look forward to working with them again.”
The investment underscores Burgess Farms’ ongoing strategy to combine tradition with modern agricultural technology, aiming to remain at the forefront of the UK’s evolving fresh produce landscape.
