Inside Europe’s most advanced potato processing facility

Potato producer and distributer Patatas Meléndez, has completed a major infrastructure project at its main facility in Spain, now one of Europe’s most advanced post-harvest operations.

Patatas Meléndez, a leading company in the cultivation, selection, and distribution of potatoes in Spain, has completed a major infrastructure project at its main facility in Medina del Campo, now regarded as one of the most advanced post-harvest operations in Europe.

This development marks a decisive step towards automation, digitalisation, and sustainability in the potato sector.

A cornerstone of the facility upgrade was the integration of a custom-designed wash line and selected packing line elements, supplied by Wyma, a global specialist in post-harvest solutions for vegetable handling.

Wyma’s role focused on providing gentle, efficient washing and handling equipment, tailored to fit within a wider, multi-supplier facility layout.

The company worked closely with Patatas Melendez’s internal engineering, quality, and IT departments from the initial consultation stage through to design, installation, and after-sales support.

The objective was to ensure the new systems aligned with operational goals around product quality, line efficiency, and traceability.

Focus on gentle handling and efficiency

One of the guiding principles for Patatas Meléndez was to “treat the potato like a fruit” – minimising damage through careful handling.

The wash line supplied by Wyma was developed to protect product integrity throughout the cleaning process while maintaining high throughput.

Low-impact water transport systems, rotary polishing, and integrated dirt and debris separation were all tailored to Melendez’s product characteristics and quality standards.

At the packing end, selected Wyma equipment was integrated with lines from other suppliers to deliver streamlined throughput and reduce manual handling.

The entire system was designed with automation and worker safety in mind, resulting in a significantly safer and more controlled operating environment.

Results that reflect a step change

Since commissioning, the facility has delivered impressive performance improvements:

• Packaging capacity has doubled, from 65 to 130 pallets per hour
• Energy consumption has been reduced by 17%, through more efficient machinery and system integration
• Water usage is down 30%, supported by recycling and filtration technologies
• Product damage has dropped noticeably, thanks to gentle handling systems and better control
• Digital monitoring systems now provide real-time data for operators and improved supply chain visibility.

These improvements have enabled Patatas Meléndez to process more potatoes, more efficiently, and with greater consistency than ever before. The increased capacity and resource efficiency also support the company’s broader sustainability and growth goals.

Looking ahead

With this new facility, Patatas Meléndez is well positioned to lead the next generation of potato processing in Europe.

Expansion plans are already underway, with additional washing and packing capacity being considered to meet growing domestic and export demand.

Wyma continues to support the plant with technical service, training, and performance optimisation, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner in Patatas Meléndez’s growth journey.

To see the full story – including customer interviews and facility imagery – visit here.

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