Modesta's comprehensive agri dust approach

Sjoerd van Diepen is Modesta’s new sales colleague for the agri industry. He tells us about the importance of dust extraction in agricultural factories: in a clean, safe, and healthy working environment, both people and production lines function at their best.

During his former job at an onion processing company, Sjoerd van Diepen first saw Modesta’s installations at work. The company’s approach and way of working appealed to him: “They do more than just installing an extraction unit: they go the extra mile and look at the total picture of a production line. What is the smartest and most efficient set-up for both the machine itself and the whole production line? The answer is much broader than just selling a filter installation.” This consultancy aspect appealed to Sjoerd. He was looking for a new, more dynamic, and international challenge. Thanks to the collaboration in his previous position, he was able to get a taste of what working at Modesta would be like. “A good relationship between colleagues is important to me, just like a flat hierarchy. Short lines when communicating and being free to speak your mind make day-to-day work pleasant.” The atmosphere at the office is what ultimately convinced him. Since November, he has been Modesta’s new Technical Sales Advisor for customers in the agricultural industry.

Machines that work at their best
Sjoerd is a true veteran when it comes to the agri business: he has over ten years of experience in three different onion processing companies. That’s why he understands the importance of the right dust extraction solution like no other, even if the agricultural industry is not subject to strict laws and regulations, as is common in, for example, the wood processing industry. A cleaner working environment not only leads to less wear and tear, and therefore less maintenance on moving machine parts, but also helps software do its job properly, since sensors remain dust free. With increasing parts of the production process being automized, extraction is becoming increasingly relevant for agri factories: “Advanced sorting and packaging lines can’t function properly when onion sheets, dust, and other particles fly around,” explains Sjoerd. Finally, working in a less dirty and dusty environment is obviously much more pleasant.

A comprehensive approach
In addition to dust extraction, the Modesta team also helps factories think about their waste flows and actively contributes to a cleaner end product. In the onion industry, for example, wind sifting can help remove onion skins and extract them. Through a clever use of air streams, the topping of the onions can also be optimized. Other ways to contribute to more efficient dust extraction are enclosing machines, optimizing internal logistics using the prevailing wind direction at entrances and exits, and cleverly using the extracted air in other parts of the factory. Thinking about the total approach in advance is an important part of Modesta’s portfolio. Waste handling, wind sifting, dust extraction, and consultancy together ensure a clean, safe and healthy working environment and a production line that works optimally.