Limex crate and tray washer at Jungpflanzen Gernert

In 2021, Limex delivered a crate and tray washer to the grower Jungpflanzen Gernert. Limex collaborated with their partners Flier Systems and Menno Chemie to develop this machine.

Founded in 1921 and located in Albertshofen, Germany, Jungpflanzen Gernert is a large-scale nursery that grows young vegetable plants. They grow several types of young vegetable plants on 9 hectares of agricultural land with the aim of selling them on to other nurseries that continue to cultivate the vegetables. Since quality is very important to this company, keeping threats such as viruses and fungi at bay, both now and in the future, is crucial. This is why Jungpflanzen Gernert contacted Limex to purchase a crate and tray washer. 

Method and achieved results – crate and tray washer

When the request came in, colleague Bart Bovee travelled to Germany to discuss the options for a crate and tray washer with Mr Achim Gernert of Jungpflanzen Gernert. Since efficiency was important, it soon became apparent that the machine should be automated. Both Limex and Jungpflanzen Gernert had previous excellent experiences with the handling equipment supplied by Flier Systems from Barendrecht. And so Flier Systems was approached as a cooperation partner for this new washer. Flier specialises in high-tech mechanisation and automation systems in the horticultural sector. 

Jungpflanzen Gernert opted for a machine that can wash both crates and trays. The Flier system destacks the trays before they enter the washer. The crates and trays are pre-rinsed under high pressure. This is followed by an intensive main wash, whereby the extra-long tunnel provides extended contact time with the cleaning agent. The trays are rinsed meticulously to remove the cleaning agent. The blower then ensures that any residual moisture is removed from the trays, so that they can continue to the foam unit as dry as possible. In the foam unit, Menno Florades foam is applied to the crates and trays to disinfect them. Our partner Menno Chemie Vertrieb GmbH from Norderstedt Germany assisted us in developing the foam unit. They developed the Menno Florades disinfectant, which is used in Jungpflanzen Gernert’s machine. At the end of the washing line, the Flier Systems units automatically stack the crates and trays. Taking into account the existing space in the building during the development and delivery of this washer, the occasional bend to the left or right was added in certain places. 

How did Jungpflanzen Gernert experience their collaboration with Limex?

The trays are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with foam from Menno Florades. The washing result could be seen very quickly from the better root quality. Which also enabled us to minimize the use of pesticides. With this system, we are able to cope with viruses and bacteria.

Thanks to the combination with the handling by Flier, we now only need one employee to operate the entire line. It gives us peace of mind, especially now that staff is difficult to come by. – Achim Gernert, owner of Jungpflanzen Gernert

Flier Systems and Limex have been working together for a long time. In Gernert’s washing line, we have combined the Flier (de) stacker and tray tipper with the latest innovative Limex washing solutions. In this project, Flier once again experienced a very positive experience of working together. With this experience, Flier is looking forward to advising other young plant growers, together with Limex, on the future washing combinations. – Bart Eekhout Sales Engineer Flier Systems