Key Technology, a Walla Walla, Wash.-based member of the Duravant family of operating companies, completed a facility expansion in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The upgrade increases Key’s production capacity by 50%, and features larger cranes with greater lifting capabilities, a thoroughly refurbished working environment, enhanced customer visitor experience and more. Together, with its state-of-the-art Innovation and Solutions Center in Hasselt, Belgium, the 4,000-square-meter Netherlands facility speeds delivery of Key’s optical sorters and vibratory conveying solutions to food processors in Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa (EMEIA) and elsewhere.
 
“Our ongoing investments in Europe reflect our commitment to delivering the greatest value to food processors throughout the region. By manufacturing our VERYX sorters and Iso-Flo conveyors in Europe as well as the U.S., we serve our customers more quickly and effectively,” says Jack Ehren, president and CEO. “Europe has a high concentration of very sophisticated processors with needs that often differ from those in other regions. Building strong collaborative partnerships with our customers enables us to find the best solutions to achieve their unique goals.”
 
“Over the last three years, our equipment sales in the EMEIA region have almost doubled and our market share has increased. This success is driven by important new product introductions, such as our VERYX family of sorters, and the continuous evolution of our world-class Iso-Flo vibratory conveyors, which help processors improve product quality and food safety, increase yields and reduce operating costs,” says Eric Geling, senior director of sales for the EMEIA region. “Modernizing our operations in the Netherlands supports the growing demand for our solutions.”
 
Two new overhead cranes, each with a 10-meter-high clearance and the capability to lift 10 metric tons, enable Key to assemble larger systems on site, such as an air cleaner on a platform, and perform more pre-delivery inspections. Added floor space and more flexible manufacturing processes allow larger systems to be powered up and run prior to shipment.
 
The environment features more natural light in the shop and new energy-efficient LED lighting throughout. The open office layout facilitates increased collaboration between departments while ergonomic new office furniture exceeds the latest health and safety standards. Customer-facing enhancements include an updated conference room and conveyor demonstration area.