In 2021, Camstar Herbs faced a devastating fire that destroyed their factory. However, they seized the opportunity to rebuild from scratch, incorporating state-of-the-art equipment to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Among these upgrades was the installation of a cyclone fan system by Wrightfield to optimise their herb processing operations.
We spoke with Camstar Herb’s Estate Manager, Tim Stammers, to learn more about their history, experiences with the cyclone fan, and how it impacts their business.
Q: Tim, please tell me a bit about Camstar Herbs’ history and main business operations.
A: Camstar Herbs has been an established business for the last 45 years and is one of Europe’s largest producers of dried parsley. We boast over 3,000 acres dedicated solely to cultivating this crop, a testament to our commitment to quality and scale in herb production. As well as parsley, we proudly produce various herbs, catering to diverse customer requirements.
Q: And who are your main customers?
A: Our business model revolves around wholesale trade, offering bulk supplies to our clients. Customers can either contract for annual supplies at pre-agreed prices, or we can quote on the spot, depending on their preferences and requirements.
Q: Can you tell us the timeline for the fire and the subsequent rebuilding process?
The fire ravaged our factory in 2021, and we had to embark on the arduous task of rebuilding from scratch – we did this in 2022, and we were fully back up and running in 2023. Thanks to the dedication of our team, we had a brand-new factory up and running by October of that year, a testament to everyone’s commitment to our customers and the industry.
The cyclone fan system has undoubtedly improved the overall efficiency of our operations.
Q: What role did the cyclone fan system play in the herb processing operations?
A: The cyclone fan system is an important step in our processing operations and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality of our products.
Q: And how does it work?
Basically, it extracts moisture from our raw herb products, facilitating their drying process. When the raw product enters the dryer, the cyclone fan system springs into action, creating the necessary airflow for optimal drying.
Q: How has the cyclone fan system performed since its installation?
A: We have experienced no issues with the cyclone fan system since its installation. While minor adjustments were initially made by the Wrightfield team, the system has operated smoothly ever since.
Q: Have you observed any tangible benefits or cost savings from the cyclone fan system?
A: While it’s challenging to quantify the exact savings, the cyclone fan system has undoubtedly improved the overall efficiency of our operations. Using energy-efficient motors and optimised airflow has resulted in a more streamlined production process. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to utilise by-products from the drying process, further maximising efficiency and reducing waste.
Q: Does the current installation provide room for expansion or further optimisation?
A: Absolutely. The cyclone fan system has been designed to accommodate future expansion plans. We are currently evaluating options to increase the capacity of our drying operations, with plans to expand by a third in the coming years. This demonstrates the scalability and flexibility of the cyclone fan system to meet our evolving needs.
Conclusion:
It seems that the installation of the cyclone fan system at Camstar Herbs has been instrumental in revitalising their herb processing operations following the devastating fire. With its reliable performance, energy efficiency, and potential for future expansion, the cyclone fan system has positioned Camstar Herbs for continued growth and success in the years to come.
In closing, we sincerely thank the team at Camstar Herbs for graciously welcoming us into their facility. The challenges they have overcome, particularly in the aftermath of significant setbacks, underscore their resilience and dedication to their craft. Gavin Keach’s unexpected journey from joining as Operations Director to overseeing the construction of a new factory is a testament to the team’s adaptability and determination. His efforts, alongside those of Estate Manager Tim Stammers and Logistics Manager Neil Harkett, are commemorated and celebrated within the company. As Camstar Herbs continues to flourish, its commitment to excellence and innovation in herb production remains unwavering, ensuring a bright future ahead.