Apple company names principal partner for packing facility upgrade

New Zealand snack-sized apple company Rockit Global has named a principal partner to design and supply its upgraded apple packing facility.

Wyma Solutions, a postharvest fruit and vegetable equipment company headquartered in Christchurch, New Zealand, will lead the development of Rockit’s Te Ipu packhouse in Hastings, according to a news release. Rockit is investing in advanced robotic technology, state-of-the-art optical grading and smart automation to increase flexibility and productivity.

The partnership will complement Rockit’s existing relationship with MHM Automation, Wyma’s parent company, which has developed a specialized robotic packing machine for Rockit’s apple in tube format, according to the release.

“In selecting our lead supplier, we had a number of key criteria,” Rockit’s Scott Griffin said in the release. “These included their ability to offer a flexible solution, the quality of their machinery, gentle apple handling and the use of smart automation. Wyma demonstrated these key criteria.”

Over the past three years, Wyma and Rockit have created a long-term development plan to expand Rockit’s packhouse as bin volumes increase, according to the release. The first stage of the project, which involves the supply of a new robotic bin tip and apple washing line with advanced Wyma water filtration technology, is expected to be in operation in 2025.

The next stage will include an upgrade to a pre-sort system featuring hydro-bin filling technology, short water buffer channels and high-speed bin robots with an eventual line capacity of over 300,000 apples per hour.

“It is fantastic to partner with a company as innovative and forward-thinking as Rockit,” Peter Molloy of Wyma said in the release. “The shared passion between Rockit and Wyma for high-quality solutions has made it very easy for our teams to work well together.”