For several years, Ing. Enea Mattei has been exporting its rotary vane compressors with applications in the food industry. This is an area in which the compressed air allows the operations through almost all the production cycle automation: materials transportation through cylinders and hoists, electric drive of blades or pumps, packaging, vacuum operations and so on.
In this sector, Mattei compressors’ most appreciated features are their reliability, low noise and high quality of air delivered, as confirmed by Elite Spice, American company specialized in the import of spices and production of flavorings and food seasonings.
Elite Spice, fine quality since 1988
Beginning with just 14 employees and 20,000 sq ft dedicated to production activities, the US company, Elite Spice, employs 425 and occupies an area of 650,000 sq ft with three plants in Maryland and one in Nevada.
The Elite Spice plants handle the entire spice manufacturing process: from the cleaning of raw materials to grinding and packaging, including customised packaging.
Quality and security are the values on which Elite Spice manages its production. The spices often contain impurities but the state-of-the-art systems of Elite Spice are capable of eliminating pathogenic agents and minimising contaminating agents. According to the strict food regulations in the USA, the Elite Spice Quality Control department conducts thorough tests and analysis throughout the production process.
Mattei alongside Elite Spice from the start
Mattei US supplies the compressed air required to power the automation systems throughout the entire Elite Spice production chain.
“From 1990 to today, 32 Mattei compressors have been running at the Elite Spice plants in Maryland and Nevada. Elite Spice has chosen the Mattei rotary vane technology for over 25 years: the last machine was delivered at the start of 2016 for the production plant in Jessup, Maryland” states the President of Mattei Compressors Inc. Jay Hedges.
“Alongside the first ERC models installed, Elite Spice recently chose our AC 37, designed specifically for industrial use - continues Jay Hedges - The state-of-the-art compressors also boast a MaestroXS electronic controller that optimally manages operating fluctuations conditions and various duty cycles”.
The secrets of a long-standing relationship
In the food industry, more than any other sector, it is essential to supply clean dry air with little or no oil residues, which can be hazardous if they come into contact with the food stuffs. Then there is also the need to run fully loaded for extended periods of time during the processing cycles.
“Mattei’s air oil separation technology minimises oil residues allowing us to supply dry and clean quality air - explains John Yates, Manager of Engineering Maintenance for Elite Spice - Other characteristics which convinced us to confirm our choice of Mattei compressors over time are their compact design, their high reliability and their low sound levels. The latter being a plus in terms of comfort at the workplace”.
Mattei compressors are manufactured with care to ensure the best possible performance according to a variety of operating conditions: “The specific demands of Elite Spice required the installation of a series of dryers and filters to reduce the presence of condensation to ensure the compressed air supply delivered has no oil residues” says Jay Hedges.
A good compressor is “forever”
The Mattei compressors installed 25 years ago still work perfectly and run alongside new state-of-the-art models.
“The loyalty to Mattei has never changed since Elite Spice commenced its activities. Mattei earned our trust with its fine quality, reliable and silent compressors that supply dry, clean air which we need to operate in accordance with the strict regulations of our industry. The fact that the first compressors installed are still performing well has been a great pay-back on our initial investment” states John Yates. 
