Mack Farms’ story began in the late 1960s in southern Alabama. Back then, they primarily focused on seedless watermelons, a business that expanded over time. Eventually they had the capital to make a move, which they did by shifting their operations to Florida. There, they also started growing potatoes.
Since then, what started as a small seasonal business has grown into a large, year-around operation. Led by Chandler Mack, Mack Farms is one of the most impressive fresh produce operations in the region, employing more than 130 people and operating 52 weeks a year. To support their year-round distribution, they’ve made significant investments in machine automation, including full packing lines.
Recently, Mack Farms’ story became intertwined with Flikweert Vision’s. At the Fruit Logistica global trade show in Berlin, Chandler Mack saw the Quality Grader in action and learned more about Flikweert Vision’s passion for AI-driven technology.
His interest came from a place of experience. After all, Mack Farms is no stranger to automation, witnessing the benefits of grading equipment first-hand. “With humans, sometimes you can get over-grading,” says Mack. “A machine can really evaluate that potato and make a real-time decision quicker. A human’s got a split second to look at that potato and know. Optical sorting, it’s able to do a better job.”
But before moving forward with Flikweert, Mack did his homework. He made sure he was investing in a quality machine that would stand the test of time. After speaking with the Volm Companies, Flikweert’s North American partner, Mack Farms integrated two Quality Graders into their operations. Since then, they’ve never looked back. “I’m hoping I can get another one in the next year,” he says.
As for the future, Mack Farms is looking forward to continuing their story. Many projects are on the horizon. And that includes continuing to embrace the automation that has helped make them who they are today.
