Edenbridge, UK – Fresh produce pack house solutions specialist Marco completed its first product installation in Spain with leading table grape producer SAT Moyca, following an exciting period of overseas expansion for the UK-based company.
Marco’s agreement with Murcia-based Moyca comes in the midst of a period that has seen the company grow its business across Europe and beyond.
It also comes ahead of Marco’s first appearance at the Fruit Attraction 2014 trade fair in Madrid, which will be staged in the Spanish capital’s Feria de Madrid conference centre from 15-17 October.
As well as gaining significant new clients in South Africa and continued expansion in France, Marco has signed a contract with its first Peruvian client as part of a push into Latin American markets that has also included Chile and Guatemala.
Marco’s ambitious overseas expansion has also seen the company receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, following a 30% increase in international business over the preceding 12 months.
Marco’s managing director, Mandy Hart, said: “The last twelve months have been exceptionally good for Marco, resulting in us outgrowing our premises in under a year.
“The contract with Moyca has been a highlight, as it is our first installation in Spain. It has been a very successful installation and all parties are very pleased with the results.”
Constant improvements
To meet the ever-changing needs of the fresh produce sector, Marco has continued to improve its software, especially for its biggest selling product, the Trac-IT Yield Control Module (YCM), which has revolutionised fresh produce packing, typically improving productivity by 30% or more.
“Trac-IT YCM not only virtually eliminates overpack, improving profits instantly, but also provides various operator reports, which were simply not available with the old fashioned packing methods,” explained Hart.
“These have allowed pack house managers to take full control of their operation, to provide training for operators who are identified as needing it, reward those that are performing well and generally have full visibility within their pack house.”
All new software for the system was launched earlier this year, including new ‘One Light One Fruit’ functionality which has proven to be very successful in pack houses worldwide.
Responding to the increase in top sealing and the need to record sealed pack weights, Marco has also introduced an in-line check weigher and Average Weight Module (AWM), reinforcing the firm’s position as a total pack house solutions provider.
Fruit Attraction 2014
As an exhibitor at the Fruit Attraction 2014 trade fair, Marco will not only be present to meet potential new clients but will also aim to learn more about current circumstances affecting the Spanish fresh produce sector.
“Spain is a major player in table grapes and tomatoes — two of the areas in which we specialise — as well as producing significant volumes of berries and salads, which can also be packed very efficiently using our systems,” added Hart.
“We believe that Spain has the volumes of produce that will drive the need for greater productivity and thus investment in technology to drive improvement, an area we have great expertise in.”
Source: Marco