Eilersen: Robust weighing systems for 20 years: How Eilersen helps Agristo optimize their potato production

Robust weighing systems for 20 years: How Eilersen helps Agristo optimize their potato production

A Case Study on Eilersen Capacitive Load Cells

To uphold the high standards of their potato-based products, Agristo has always prioritized accuracy and reliability in their production processes, with a particular emphasis on accurate weighing. To achieve this, Agristo partnered with Eilersen two decades ago.

About Agristo

Agristo, a global leader in potato processing, operates four advanced production sites in the Netherlands and Belgium. Renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation, Agristo produced 874,016 tonnes of frozen and pre-fried potato products in 2023.

Founded in 1986 in Belgium, Agristo has grown from a small, family-owned business into an industry leader. Driven by a passion for quality and craftsmanship, this dedication has helped Agristo transform humble potatoes into delicious products, also making Agristo a household name among consumers.

Weighing systems in the food industry

Like many other large-scale food manufacturers, Agristo relies on accurate, robust, and dependable weighing systems to ensure the quality and consistency of their products. Accuracy is non-negotiable, especially in an industry where every gram counts.

We spoke with Thierry Vanmarcke, Agristo’s Automation Manager, about the long-standing collaboration between Agristo and Eilersen.

“About 20 years ago, we used various types of load cells to get the job done. All of them were analog and not very easy to work with. We faced issues with calibration and frequent downtime due to their sensitivity to harsh conditions like welding, grease, and oil. At this point, we also worked with Eilersen. We wanted a digital system that allowed direct communication between PLCs. Eilersen offered a digital solution via EtherCAT. It was a game changer for us at Agristo, and we have been using Eilersen extensively ever since.”

In the past, Agristo encountered frequent issues with load cells vulnerable to welding stresses and environmental factors, leading to costly downtime and maintenance. That has not been an issue since the 2000s.

A new standard

The transition to Eilersen load cells significantly improved Agristo’s operations. Despite initially working with older fieldbus interfaces, the integration with digital interface was smooth. Eilersen’s digital load cells and the move to EtherCAT further simplified the process, making it easier to automate and monitor critical weighing operations. The digital nature of the Eilersen load cells also meant accurate measurements with no offset, even in the most challenging conditions.

Since implementing Eilersen load cells, Agristo has seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and reliability. Calibration issues are now a thing of the past, and the load cells have proven almost immune to the mechanical and environmental challenges that previously caused downtime. Maintenance has become significantly easier, with components that can be swapped out without recalibration.

“The robustness and ease of use of Eilersen load cells have streamlined our production processes. If we need help, Eilersen is always easy to reach. I can’t remember when we had a serious problem with our weighing systems; they just work. That’s why we only rely on Eilersen, exclusively in the automation department.”

Choosing a weighing system that can withstand harsh conditions without sacrificing accuracy is critical. Eilersen’s solutions have proven accurate, reliable, and easy to use for more than two decades at the Agristo production facilities.

If you need a reliable weighing systems supplier, contact us today to explore how we can enhance your operations.