Aweta at the heart of new Empresas San Clemente project in Angol, Chile

The USD 25 million investment marks a major milestone for Chilean fruit production and introduces one of the most technologically advanced apple packing operations in Latin America. The new facility increases San Clemente’s processing capacity from 80,000 to 150,000 bins per season — equivalent to up to 60,000 tons annually.

At the core of the project is AWETA’s Presizer solution, which fundamentally changes the way fruit enters and flows through the operation. Instead of storing bins for weeks or months before processing, fruit now enters directly into the pre-sizing line, where it is immediately sorted by size and weight as well as internal and external quality. By organizing the production flow from the first stage, the system reduces waiting times, improves operational efficiency, and provides greater control through the entire packing process.

The installation also incorporates AWETA’s proprietary UltraVision AI and Inscan Pulse technologies, enabling highly accurate external and internal quality inspection. The system can detect invisible internal cell damage at an early stage, helping San Clemente reduce destination rejections while minimizing unnecessary storage and transport costs.

“Aweta contributed with its advanced pre-sizing solution, combining proprietary technologies such as UltraVision AI and Inscan Pulse to deliver high-precision sorting and grading. In addition, our Plant Control software enables San Clemente to manage the operation through an integrated system,” said Christian Lotti, General Manager of Aweta Italy.

AWETA’s Plant Control software integrates the entire operational flow in real time, connecting pre-sizing, packing, palletizing, and intelligent storage into one continuous process.

According to John Skinner, Director of Innovation and Development at Empresas San Clemente, “What makes this plant unique is the integration of the entire process into a continuous system that connects pre-sizing, packing, and automated storage, enabling real-time operation, improved traceability, and consistent quality standards for international markets.”

The project also includes semi-automated packing solutions supplied by Unisorting–UNITEC and an intelligent warehousing system implemented by Chilean integrator Danich using Eurofork automation technology. Danich was responsible for the warehouse system integration and software operation, enabling real-time inventory management, optimized pallet positioning, and improved logistics efficiency across the facility. With exports to more than 40 countries worldwide, Empresas San Clemente continues to strengthen its leadership position in the Chilean apple industry through innovation, automation, and advanced technology integration.