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FlavorWright All-in-One seasoning system from PPM Technologies
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COMPASS optical sorter from Key Technology
May 19, 2026 – PPM Technologies and Key Technology, both Duravant operating companies, introduce their new fully-integrated potato chip processing line at SNACKEX booth 431. Designed for processors managing raw material variability, labor shortages and the coordination demands of high-volume chip production, the line brings together PPM's frying, seasoning and product handling capabilities with Key's advanced optical sorting technology into a single, unified solution. From slicing through packaging, this integrated line helps achieve consistent product quality, recover more usable product, reduce labor requirements and offer single-source accountability with global support.
“Potato chip processing lines that hold up under challenging conditions aren't just well spec-ed,” said Daniel Luna, Director of Processing at PPM Technologies. “They're built by partners who understand what each stage demands, can anticipate future needs and are committed to making those technologies work as one cohesive unit. PPM and Key have two of the longest histories in the potato chip industry, and their depth of expertise doesn't just show up at startup – it’s there through the life of the equipment.”
PPM's frying technology anchors the line. Processors producing kettle-style chips utilize the BatchWright™ batch fryer, which provides exacting control over the full frying curve to deliver the texture, color and flavor profiles consumers expect from premium kettle chips. Processors producing conventional potato chips utilize the CookWright™ continuous fryer, which features customizable heating, belt and filtration configurations to meet each processor’s application needs and goals. Both fryers are equipped with advanced oil filtration to extend oil life and reduce operating costs, along with clean-in-place capability that limits downtime during sanitation.
After frying, optical sorting is the last opportunity to remove defects and foreign material before product reaches packaging. Combining multi-channel sensor data and multi-wavelength strobing technology, Key’s COMPASS® sorter identifies dark spots, green discoloration and white knots as well as fryer debris without the more complex laser-based systems that can increase maintenance costs. Recipe-driven operation, simplified controls and an open sanitary design help processors sustain consistent inspection performance while reducing training requirements, cleaning time and maintenance burden across long production runs.
From inspection, product is transferred to PPM's versatile FlavorWright™ All-in-One seasoning system, which applies liquid and/or dry seasoning immediately before the weigh scale and packaging equipment. Since any coating inconsistency at this stage passes directly into the finished product, FlavorWright All-in-One’s precise application controls are optimized to achieve consistent coverage across every batch. The system handles the full range of chip seasoning applications, from simple salt to complex multi-stage treatments using specialty oils, slurries and powders. Quick-release components support changeovers in as little as five minutes, and IP65-rated washdown capability keeps sanitation straightforward across frequent flavor changes.
PPM's slice feeder is at the front of the line and equipped with a dual auger feed conveyor to meter whole potatoes into the slicer at a controlled rate to produce uniform slices for consistent frying. A coordinated network of PPM conveyors then connects each subsequent stage, with horizontal-motion conveyors moving chips gently between steps to minimize breakage and seasoning loss, and vibratory conveyors metering product accurately to multi-head weighers at packaging. Recirculation conveyors can also be integrated to keep product moving when a scale or packaging machine goes offline, helping processors avoid waste and maintain uptime during real production disruptions.
Beyond the conveying network, each element of the line is configured to fit the processor’s plant layout and production requirements. Centralized and local controls give operators real-time visibility across the line. Key Discovery™ software collects and analyzes data about every object passing through the COMPASS sorter, helping processors identify and address trends in yield, reject rates, raw material variability and upstream equipment performance.
Processors can learn more about this integrated potato chip line and PPM’s and Key's other equipment at SNACKEX 2026, taking place June 17 to 18 at FIL Expo in Lisbon, Portugal.
About PPM Technologies
PPM Technologies is a global automation solutions provider of smartly engineered equipment and integrated lines for the food processing industry. PPM designs, engineers and manufactures equipment for a wide array of food products, including snack foods, cereals, confectionaries, nuts and seeds, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood and more. Their portfolio includes conveying, coating, grading, frying and cooling equipment that can be customized to integrate with virtually any production line. PPM has developed an impressive global installed base of over 10,000 machines and services customers in over 50 countries. For more information, visit www.ppmtech.com.
About Key Technology
Key Technology is a global leader in the design and manufacture of automation systems including optical sorters, conveyors and other processing equipment. Applying processing knowledge and application expertise, Key helps customers in the food processing and other industries improve quality, increase yield and reduce cost. Key manufactures its products in Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Redmond, Oregon, USA; and in Beusichem, the Netherlands. Key offers customer demonstration and testing services at five locations including Walla Walla and Beusichem as well as Hasselt, Belgium and Sacramento, California, USA. Key is a Duravant Company. For more information, visit www.key.net.
About Duravant
Duravant is a global leader in advanced automation solutions operating across the food processing, packaging and material handling industries. Founded on more than a century of expertise, Duravant delivers performance-driven technologies, integrated systems and full lifecycle services that drive productivity, efficiency and safety for the world’s producers and movers of high demand goods. The company serves a broad range of essential end markets including food & beverage, agriculture, consumer and industrial goods, e-commerce and logistics. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, and serving customers in more than 190 countries, Duravant unites a portfolio of leading brands under a shared commitment to quality, innovation and customer success. For more information, visit www.duravant.com.
Nicholas Schoen
PPM Technologies
500 E. Illinois Street
Newberg, OR 97132 USA
Tel: +1 503 476 7504
nisch@ppmtech.com
www.ppmtech.com
Lene Boes
Key Technology
Bedrijfsstraat 6b
B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
Tel: +32 490 49 01 70
lboes@key.net
www.key.net
Cat McBride
McBride Public Relations
527 27th Street
Richmond, CA 94804 USA
Tel: +1 650 384 5727
connect@mcbridepr.com
www.mcbridepr.com