'Switching quickly requires calm in your process'

Located on Welbergsweg in Steenbergen, brothers Corné and John Jacobs jointly run Koelhuis Jacobs. It's a family business with a long history and a clear focus on the storage, processing, and logistical handling of agricultural products. "We've always been progressive," says Corné. "But in our own way. Practical, down-to-earth, and focused on quality." The company was founded in 1958 and consciously opted for crate storage for seed and table potatoes as early as 1970. "Our father was already doing that back then," says John. "Crates ensure quality and preservation. That was true then, and it remains true today."

Koelhuis Jacobs operates with a compact organization. Corné and John form the core of the company, supported by one permanent employee. Their father, now 87, can also be found regularly at the company. "He still helps out where he can," says John. "That's what characterizes us: short lines of communication and staying involved."

When the brothers took over the company over twenty years ago, the focus was still partly on arable farming. Due to external factors, such as diseases on rented plots, it became clear that further scaling up cultivation wasn't always manageable. Consequently, the company shifted its focus towards storage and transshipment for third parties. Today, the core business lies in storing seed potatoes and onions, cutting oversized seed potatoes, and drying grass seed.

The ambition
In 2022, all activities were consolidated at a single location. This brought clarity and peace of mind. "Less transport, fewer overruns, and much more efficient work," says Corné. This peace and quiet is essential, because the work demands flexibility. "Cutting seed potatoes is completely dependent on the weather and planting time," explains John. "You have to be able to adapt quickly."

Labor plays a major role in this. "Staff is scarce," says Corné. "We do everything ourselves, along with one permanent employee." Automation is therefore not a luxury, but a prerequisite for keeping the work manageable and ensuring quality.

The challenge
Five years ago, Koelhuis Jacobs started cutting seed potatoes. What started as largely manual work gradually became automated. In 2021, VHM Machinery In the picture, first with a MonoFilr and shortly after with a TwinFilr. "Capacity and throughput were decisive," says Corné. "Unloading trucks without downtime really makes a difference in practice."

The line was expanded with, among other things, a second TwinFilr and later modularly expanded with stackers and finally fully automated crate logistics for cutting. "We deliberately didn't do everything at once," says John. "We wanted to expand as needed."

The solution
Automated crate logistics for slicing now forms the heart of the operation. VHM's Fully Automatic Street combines a Stackr, Turnr with EvenFlow, BoxFilr, and another Stackr. This line empties crates (Turnr + EvenFlow), cuts the potatoes (MCR), and refills the same crates with the BoxFilr.

Behind the VHM machines, MCR Machinery's cutting line ensures smooth flow. This creates a stable and organized process in which potatoes are immediately filled and stacked in crates after cutting. "But even more important than capacity is the peace and quiet," says John. "Knowing the process is running smoothly."

The brothers are clear about VHM. "Solid machines, well-designed and reliable," says Corné. The collaboration is just as important. "They think along with you, listen carefully, and can monitor and log in remotely," adds John. "That inspires confidence."

The modular design of the line makes it flexible and future-proof. "You can keep expanding whenever it suits you," says Corné.

The results
This setup has significantly increased capacity without making the process more complex. Where previously a lot of manual labor and forklift movements were required, the process now runs in a controlled and predictable manner. "A smooth process is more important to us than maximum capacity," says John. "Knowing the process is running smoothly."

The brothers are therefore looking ahead with confidence. "The market remains volatile," says John. "But we can adapt. And that gives us peace of mind." Their advice to fellow entrepreneurs is clear: "Don't just look at the price. If you can trust your machines and your partner, it will always pay off."

About Koelhuis Jacobs
Koelhuis Jacobs (VOF Gebr. Jacobs) is a family business in Steenbergen, founded in 1958. Since 1965, the company has specialized in the storage of agricultural products, with a strong focus on seed and ware potatoes. Brothers Corné and John Jacobs are responsible for day-to-day management. The company has approximately 6.000 crates and operates entirely from a single central location. Activities include storage, cutting oversized seed potatoes, onion storage, and drying grass seed. Koelhuis Jacobs is known for its pragmatic approach, flexibility, and focus on quality and reliability.