By Mary Mwendwa
Nairobi County, Kenya: Temec (Tea Machinery and Engineering Company Limited) has launched an innovative technology for tea farmers in the Country. The ground-breaking automated solutions promise to reshape the tea industry, optimizing efficiency and ensuring unparalleled quality throughout the tea production process.
Temec’s innovations are not only transforming the industry but also playing a pivotal role in empowering KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Agency) Managed Tea Factories to consistently produce high-quality teas.
Traditionally, tea production has been a labor-intensive endeavor, with meticulous manual processes from start to finish. However, Temec’s latest innovations have ushered in a new era of automation in key areas: tea drying, pre-sorting, and continuous fermentation units.
At the heart of Temec’s technological transformation is its state-of-the-art automated tea dryer, equipped with a cutting-edge screw conveyor. TEMEC GM Engineer Michael Cherutich notes, “This marvel of engineering combines intelligent technology with precision engineering to create the perfect drying environment for tea leaves to monitor and precisely control the tea drying process.” Adding that, “ It ensures that tea leaves are dried to perfection, preserving their natural flavors and aromas, while mitigating the risk of over-drying or under-drying. Furthermore, the automated dryer is significantly faster, drastically increasing production efficiency.”
Temec’s pre-sorting automation system is a pivotal engineering feat, boasting unmatched throughput. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms, it swiftly and accurately identifies and segregates tea leaves based on their intrinsic quality and size characteristics. This advanced sorting technology significantly minimizes the risk of inconsistent blends, ensuring the final tea product is optimized for superior quality.
Cherutich further says that the continuous fermentation units (CFU) developed by Temec mark a turning point in tea production. “The CFU is now fully automated, maintaining a consistent fermentation process, and enhancing the flavor and aroma of the tea leaves while reducing the chances of spoilage. Real-time monitoring and adjustment are also possible, ensuring that the tea leaves are fermented to perfection.”
Experts in the tea industry have hailed Temec’s innovations, highlighting the significant benefits these automated systems bring to the table. Labour costs are reduced, consistency in tea production is heightened, and the overall quality of tea products is improved.
Importantly, Temec has played a pivotal role in supporting KTDA Managed Tea Factories to enhance the quality of teas they produce. By providing cutting-edge technology and automation solutions, Temec has empowered these factories to meet stringent quality standards and elevate their production processes. As a result, the tea produced by KTDA Managed Tea Factories has gained recognition for its consistency and exceptional quality in the global market.
