Our primary business is the receiving, handling and distribution of imported potatoes. Makins grade in excess of 45,000 tonnes over a 6 month period into 2.5mm size bandings ranging from 20mm to 80mm. After grading, the product is stored in specially designed chill stores until they are distributed to major supermarket pack houses throughout the UK.

Makins have three grading machines which gives the potential to grade 60 tonnes/hour. All three graders are specially designed to handle both loose skin and set skin product without causing damage.

Grader three is a new machine which is designated solely for organic use. Organic material is stored both before and after grading separately from conventional to ensure there is no contamination. Makins are certified to handle and store organic produce by the Organic Farmers and Growers Association.

Our Integrated Management System which was implemented last year runs throughout the receiving, handling and distribution process, from the time the product arrives, until the product is despatched.

IMS allows us to see rates of production in real time, as well as stock levels and the age of stock. This provides 100% tractability for all items on site helping us to fulfil all our orders in an efficient manor. It also enables you to be able to locate individual items easily and to track their location.

This wireless system works throughout the whole site and interprets barcodes to give the operations department a clear picture of what has arrived, what has been graded and what orders have been despatched.

The system is also linked to the site weighbridge and therefore will not allow you to load the incorrect product on the wrong lorry. This minimises the amount of human error that can take place in such vital parts of the business.