Tomato Repacking Methods and Equipment

Excerpts from the report: A study was made (1) to analyze and compare methods and equipment used to perform each operation involved in repacking tomatoes at terminal markets, and (2) to devise a workable tomato repacking system consisting of the most efficient method and equipment for each operation. Labor and equipment requirements for this system are developed for plants receiving annual volumes of 1 1/2, 3, 5, and 10 million pounds of tomatoes. Suggestions are made for reducing bruise damage to the fruit. The study was made in nine tomato repacking plants, and it included different volumes of production. Each step was observed, from the time the fruit was received through the loading of packed fruit into trucks for delivery to retailers. Time-study techniques were used to obtain man- and machine-hour requirements. Details of the techniques are presented in the appendix