Ignace: “Our operations are entirely seasonal. Everything we process comes straight from the field – no artificial lighting or heating, just what nature provides. This means major peaks during harvest time and calmer periods in between. During these downtimes – usually from January to March – we carry out maintenance and build new installations. The products we process also require a wide variety of packaging formats: from small retail packs of 200 grams, to 10 or 20 kilo foodservice bags, and large industrial octabins for customers who use our vegetables as ingredients in soup, pizza or ready meals.”

Christophe: “Unlike the French fries industry, for example, we process dozens of different vegetables, each with its own season and packaging type. That makes our processes complex and demands great flexibility in logistics and storage. To manage this, we work with specialised lines at different sites: some products in Ardooie, others in Koolskamp. This means a smooth internal logistics flow between our locations is crucial.”

Ignace: “Automation is key to coping with those seasonal peaks. In the past, we handled it with extra people and forklifts. Today, we think in terms of automated supply, cleaning, buffering and discharge. It’s more efficient, safer and more sustainable.”

Christophe: “Moreover, it’s not just about standalone machines. It’s about linking entire chains: production, storage and packaging. An installation has to work perfectly on its own, but also fit seamlessly into the bigger picture.”

Ignace: “The installation had to be integrated both in an existing and a new building. That meant dealing with different floor levels, narrow passages and existing lines. Fraxinus was involved throughout the construction phase, ensuring we wouldn’t face surprises later on.”

Christophe: “Hygiene requirements were another major factor. In a freezing environment you deal with steam, condensation and extreme temperatures. Photo cells need heating, and all surfaces must be easy to clean. Fraxinus knows the sector well and was able to translate that knowledge into stainless steel constructions, adapted drives and sloping surfaces. It’s these details that make the difference.”

Christophe: “This project involved many parties: suppliers of film machines, the electrical/control partner and the building contractors. Fraxinus took the lead in coordination. Their 3D drawings brought everything together in one global plan, allowing us to identify and resolve bottlenecks in time. In the past, this was often done in 2D, but then you miss a lot.”

Ignace: “The advantage is that Fraxinus is located nearby and knows the ins and outs of our industry. Short communication lines, quick follow-up and practical problem-solving – that’s what really makes the difference.”

Ignace: “Twenty years ago you would build an installation first and think about safety afterwards. Today, every design starts with safety. That makes projects more complex, especially with multiple suppliers, but it’s the only right way. It’s not just about regulations – we really don’t want accidents.”

Christophe: “And safety has to remain workable. If an installation is too complicated to operate safely, people will look for creative ways to bypass it – with all the risks that entails. That’s why we always have both safety and usability in mind.”

Ignace: “No project is ever perfect, and there are always things that can be improved. The key is that Fraxinus always helps look for solutions. That constructive attitude builds trust.”

Christophe: “And they never work with standard solutions. Every project is custom-made: different buildings, products and circumstances. Fraxinus adapts each time, and we appreciate that.”

Ignace: “We’re currently building a large high-bay warehouse in Spain. The project involves tens of thousands of pallet spaces, which is a major construction and logistics challenge.”

Christophe: “It is an excellent illustration of the direction we’re heading in: automation as a lever for capacity and return – not only in production, but across the entire chain. Always with an eye on safety, sustainability and flexibility.”