A Chatteris based root vegetable producer is about to unveil a world first - the world’?s first fully automated parsnip trimming line.

Developed over the past two years in partnership with Dutch engineering firm, Feltracon, the machinery takes pride of place at Alan Bartlett & Sons.

The automated trimming line, which has cost more than £1 million to develop, is expected to be up and running within weeks. It brings with it a various benefits, including increased output and an improved cut.

Director Terry Hawthorn said: “We are immensely proud of our work in the development of the new parsnip trimming line.

“The Alan Bartlett business is renowned across the industry for being at the forefront of new technology investments and once again we have introduced something that will be a standard within the root supply base over the next few years.

“We have always been dedicated to finding the most effective ways to work and this acquisition will have a large, positive impact on the quality of our produce and our retailer offering.”