Onion Tech Alliance marks 10 years of collaboration

Ten years ago, three Dutch agribusinesses—Eqraft, Modesta, and Symach—formed a strategic partnership to streamline onion processing by integrating their respective areas of expertise. Eqraft focuses on processing line technology, Modesta handles dust extraction and waste management, and Symach provides palletizing solutions. Together, they operate under the Onion Tech Alliance (OTA), delivering coordinated factory systems for onion processing around the world.

In recent years, the OTA has completed several large-scale turnkey projects, including facilities for JC Watson, Onions 52, Blue Sky Onions, and Big O Farms. These operations now account for a combined processing capacity of 600 tonnes per hour, with an additional 300 tonnes per hour expected to come online within the next two years. The OTA marks its tenth anniversary in 2025.

The alliance was formed after Eqraft and Modesta collaborated on early projects such as the processing line for Wiskerke Onions in Zeeland. Their complementary roles—Eqraft in sorting, weighing, and packing, and Modesta in dust and waste control—led to more efficient project execution. When Symach joined, offering systems for palletizing, wrapping, and corner setting, the alliance covered the full process from intake to shipping.

According to Symach’s Lennard de Ridder, the partnership focuses on providing complete systems rather than individual machines. “As OTA members, we share responsibility for overall performance, project management, and service. That shared approach ensures that all parties are aligned and communicate effectively throughout project development.”

OTA has completed projects both in the Netherlands and internationally, including in France and North America. Coordination has been key to managing projects across multiple time zones and suppliers. Tasks such as layout design, scheduling, equipment integration, and IT system compatibility have been central to their approach.

Wyboud Kloppenburg, CEO of Modesta, stated that regular coordination meetings have helped OTA improve consistency and execution. “We focus on shared delivery and commissioning processes, which contribute to more predictable project outcomes.” The alliance has focused on aligning its technologies and processes to meet the needs of modern agro-industrial operations.

Rutger Keurhorst, CCO at Eqraft, noted that OTA’s sustained collaboration over the past decade stands out in a competitive field. “While many equipment suppliers have come and gone, we have continued to develop our product lines and strengthen our cooperation.”

Looking ahead, the OTA is exploring opportunities beyond onions. Interest from the potato sector is growing, and the alliance is considering adapting its systems for use in that market. While this shift would require new adjustments, the partners believe the integrated approach they’ve developed offers a foundation for broader application in agricultural processing.