L&M is excited to announce they have recently expanded their Palatka, FL potato operations. The expansion doubles the facility’s packing capabilities, as well as its cooling capacities – allowing extended product shelf life. To improve L&M’s “one-stop-shop” capabilities, the facility can pack russets and all three colored varieties simultaneously.
L&M has created many advantages through the expansion. With the additional loading and unloading space, the facility provides quick truck turn-around.
Additional Info:
1.) Added 11,000 sq. ft. of cooler space
2.) Also increased potato farming acreage by 35-40%
3.) L&M has been growing potatoes in Florida since the 1960’s
4.) New facility’s packing equipment:
a. New optical sorter and high capacity line allow for precise grading. The potatoes are handled gently, and the redesign took into account every possible drop or bounce. The expansion allows for more flexibility in packing options, and allows L&M to meet all of their customers’ needs. L&M has the ability to pack over 60 different pack styles.
b. The new optical sorter allows L&M to double capacity while efficiently grading out 95% of the defects by machine and the rest by hand.
5.) In addition to the expansion, through L&M’s new ERP system, the packing facility has improved efficiency and order fulfillment accuracy due to increased automation in the warehouse yields.
About L&M
L&M is a fully integrated, year-round supplier of fresh produce, focusing on four core categories: apples, pears and cherries; limes, mangoes and Texas grown; potatoes and onions; and vegetables. With over 46 years in the industry, L&M has been grounded in helping their customers succeed by giving them control throughout the supply chain – farming, packing, logistics and sales. Getting the right product to the right person at the right time is what drives every member of the L&M team, every day. Get well grounded at www.lmcompanies.com.
Source: L&M
