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Fam Stumabo has nearly doubled its manufacturing capacity for French fry blades following the opening of a third production facility, strengthening its ability to support potato processors with higher volumes and more specialised cutting requirements.
The new facility is now fully operational and houses the company's expanded hydrocutting blade operations. The investment combines increased production capacity with greater manufacturing flexibility, supported by new automated and semi-automated equipment.
The expansion comes as potato processors face growing demand for product differentiation, including speciality French fry shapes, while continuing to prioritise production efficiency, cutting consistency and raw material yield.
New manufacturing equipment includes an additional laser system and state-of-the-art forming machines, enabling Fam Stumabo to increase high-volume blade production while accommodating more specialised designs.
The company has also expanded its production capabilities for circular and cross-cut blades, which are used in its wider range of industrial cutting equipment.
Mark Van Hemelrijk, CEO of Fam Stumabo, said: “Throughout our history, we have grown alongside the food processing industry, adapting our expertise and technologies to the changing needs of our customers."
He continued: “This latest expansion represents another important milestone. It reflects our confidence in the future of the French fry industry and our commitment to investing in the people, technologies and manufacturing capabilities that will help our customers succeed in the years ahead.”
While traditional straight-cut fries remain dominant, demand for speciality shapes and exclusive cuts is creating opportunities for processors to develop differentiated, higher-value products.
Fam Stumabo's hydrocutting blade portfolio includes more than 3,500 active blade types, with over 75 cutting dimensions for square-cut French fries alone.
Its range also covers speciality formats including crinkle cuts, deep crinkle cuts, scoops and wedges. The company develops its own speciality shapes for the wider market and works with individual customers to create confidential, exclusive designs.
Alongside product innovation, blade performance remains important for processors seeking to maximise raw material utilisation, maintain consistent cutting quality and reduce operating costs through longer blade life and fewer replacements.
Bjorn Thumas, business development director at Fam Stumabo, said: “Today, our customers are looking for more than reliable cutting blades. They need solutions that help them improve efficiency while giving them the freedom to introduce new products and respond to changing consumer preferences.”
Fam Stumabo's precision blade manufacturing expertise dates back to 1947. The Belgian company joined forces with FAM in 1997, combining its blade manufacturing capabilities with Fam's expertise in industrial cutting equipment.
