Seeka packhouse

Bay of Plenty-based company Seeka, which manages one quarter of New Zealand’s kiwifruit exports, will invest NZ$5m in a new MAF Roda Agrobotic packline for the 2011 season.

Seeka chief executive Michael Franks said in a press release, the new machine would lower labour costs and help the company to further improve its efficiencies and service to orchardists.

“This includes implementing smarter technology to minimise packing costs and fruit damage. A key driver to lower costs is being able to maintain high packline throughput irrespective of the product profile and pack type being used,” said Mr Franks.

“The machine will be commissioned prior to harvest 2011, and will be dedicated to packing the Hayward variety. We recognise that Hayward will continue to be the backbone of our industry, and this smart use of technology will help improve financial returns to orchardists,” Mr Franks added.

Seeka handled 24.5m trays of export kiwifruit during this year’s harvest.