Scottish Seed Potato Grower Doubles Productivity with Advanced Optical Sorting and Grading Line

A Scottish seed potato grower has doubled productivity after installing a fully integrated grading line from Tong Engineering, combining advanced optical sorting technology with high-performance grading and handling systems.

WW Martin and Son, high-grade pre-basic seed potato producers based in North Scotland, have now processed more than 4,000 tonnes through the new system, reporting significant gains in efficiency, throughput and grading consistency. 

The business decided to invest in a new grading line with a clear brief; achieve four precise size splits, improve box and bag filling efficiency, increase throughput, and integrate optical sorting technology to remove defects. After reviewing four suppliers, Tong Engineering was selected to deliver the project. 

Jonnie Martin, WW Martin & Son Potatoes Ltd:

"From the very beginning Tong stood out from the others. The sales team, insightful and knowledgeable, couldn’t have been more helpful. They didn’t force a sale but listened to our brief."

Working closely with the customer, Tong engineered a fully integrated grading line incorporating Tong conveyors, EasyGrade sizing modules, a dry brusher and UniFill big bag and box filling system, designed to optimise flow and efficiency across the operation.

At the heart of the system is an optical sorting unit from Flikweert Vision, fully integrated into the line to ensure consistent, high-throughput defect removal. The Flikweert Vision system uses high-resolution camera technology and intelligent image analysis to detect both external and internal defects in real time, removing substandard product without disrupting flow and maintaining gentle crop handling throughout.

Jonnie Martin:

"After several site visits and configuration tweaks, we settled on a final design. Charles assured us that the Flikweert Vision optical unit would be incorporated seamlessly into the line and gave us a specific delivery and install date. We were hugely impressed with Tong’s engineering facility. The attention to detail and skilled and happy workforce was a joy to witness. The new line looked fantastic, minor adjustments were made and the entire line was then delivered North and assembled on site."

Since installation, the results have exceeded expectations, with significant gains in operational efficiency.

Jonnie Martin:

"Having now graded 4,000 tons of high-grade seed over the Tong line, we couldn’t be happier. Productivity per labour unit has doubled from our previous grading line, which is more than we anticipated."

Tong’s engineering and technical teams continue to support ongoing optimisation of the system to maximise output and efficiency.

Jonnie Martin:

"Throughout the whole process, and now in the aftersales phase, the team at Tong Engineering have been particularly helpful in offering support and advice to help us maximise output of our new line. I’m delighted that I placed my business with Tong and proud to be associated with a British success story."

Smart Integration, Proven Performance

The project at WW Martin and Son highlights Tong Engineering’s ability to deliver fully integrated grading solutions with advanced optical sorting technology. The new system delivers higher throughput with consistent grading accuracy, reduced labour dependency, improved crop quality and marketable yield, complete with seamless operation across the grading process. As demand for automation and quality assurance continues to grow, Tong Engineering remains at the forefront of delivering integrated, future-ready solutions for modern root crop handling.