Johan Hjärne has been appointed as new CEO for Quintus Technologies July 1st, 2024. Johan Hjärne succeeds Jan Söderström who leaves the position as of June 30th, 2024 after 12 years in the position.

Johan Hjärne joined Quintus in 2011 and has been responsible for Quintus aftermarket business and a member of the management team since 2021. Johan holds a PhD from Chalmers Technical University. Prior to his current role he has had multiple leading positions where he, among others, was Head of Sales for Quintus Technologies in USA between 2017 and 2021.

“We are very pleased that Johan Hjärne will take on the position as CEO of Quintus Technologies. Johan is a highly appreciated leader with a solid industrial track record of developing organizations and businesses. In addition, his competence in advanced technologies and experience from market-oriented product development will be another valuable asset to Quintus. Johan definitely has the capabilities to ensure Quintus’s future growth” says Jan Söderström.

“I really look forward to continuing the development of Quintus. I am convinced that such a technologically advanced company, recognized for its very competent employees, has a lot of future potential” says Johan Hjärne.

Scalable QIF 400L High Pressure Processing system offers up to 25 % boost in load efficiency in compact footprint

Quintus Technologies introduced the newest generation High Pressure Processing (HPP) system to meet the productivity needs of medium to large food and beverage processors.

Scalable from 4000 lbs. to 7000 lbs. (1800 kg to 3200 kg) per hour, the modular QIF 400L features a diameter vessel of 18.5 inches (47 cm), the largest available in the industry, for increased versatility and lower per unit production cost. Its compact footprint of 700 sq. ft. (70 m2) is designed for streamlined installation and robust operation, with fewer moving parts for less wear and an algorithm-based condition monitoring system that reduces the risk of unplanned stops.

“With its 18.5-inch diameter vessel, the QIF 400L represents a potential capacity increase of nearly 25 % per load over 15-inch diameter vessels,” says Ed Williams, General Manager – Americas, Quintus Technologies. “This significant increase provides greater flexibility to accommodate large or bulk packaging, which is especially key for manufacturers who distribute through mass or wholesale merchandising channels. This in turn reduces labor costs, packaging expense, and the cost to produce per kilo, pound, or liter.”

The QIF 400L is the second model in the Quintus HPP line-up, following the launch of the QIF 150L press in September 2021. This new-generation family incorporates advanced features like frequency-controlled motor drives for energy conservation; “SmartPress” cloud-based press management software; and easy access to all components requiring regular maintenance or inspection. The wire wound pressure vessel design of Quintus food presses is widely acknowledged to be the safest, most reliable, and durable pressure containment system ever invented.

Quintus press offerings are accompanied by the industry’s best-in-class HPP service program, Quintus® Care, a customised service solution that ensures operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long- term partnership. Application support is available at the company’s HPP Application Centers in the U.S., Sweden, and China, where food science experts help processors reduce delays in bringing new HPP products to market. The menu of services spans the entire HPP development process, from optimised product formulations and packaging, in-house pathogen validation, and shelf-life studies to assistance with HACCP implementation and regulatory compliance and optimising processing parameters for maximum ROI.

High Pressure Processing is recognised globally as the premium, non-thermal minimal-processing technique that enables the production of safer, preservative-free refrigerated foods and beverages with superior nutritional benefits and taste.

HPP originator offers streamlined design, applications savvy, and unparalleled service for maximum uptime

Pioneering and leading the advancement of high pressure technologies for nearly three-quarters of a century, Quintus Technologies today announces its re-entry into food and beverage high pressure processing (HPP) applications through innovative new HPP equipment and customized service solutions.

“Quintus Technologies has identified a need in the food industry market for improved options for HPP systems and services. As the former manufacturing and engineering arm of Avure Technologies, and with our core competency and rich history in high pressure applications, it is natural that we once again bring our expertise to this arena,” says Jan Söderström, CEO and President of Quintus Technologies.

High Pressure Processing is recognized globally as the premium minimal-processing technique that enables the production of safer, preservative-free refrigerated foods and beverages with superior nutritional benefits and taste. Surging from novel to mainstream technology in less than a decade, HPP has become an ideal method for processors to protect their brands against recalls, develop new products, extend shelf life, enhance quality, and boost profitability.

Quintus press offerings are accompanied by comprehensive application know-how and best-in-class after-market technical and application support. The food science experts at the company’s HPP Application Centers in the U.S., Sweden, and China will be available to advise processors on everything from ingredient choices to optimizing processing parameters for maximum ROI. They provide product development support and in-house validation services, allowing customers to make comprehensive evaluations of new recipes, packaging, regulatory requirements, and more.

The unique mechanical and digital solutions incorporated in the new Quintus presses, such as the wire-wound frame and cylinder for safety and lighter weight, reflect the company’s legacy as the high pressure pioneer. Built to last for maximum reliability and operational efficiency, Quintus HPP systems are designed with an economical smaller footprint for fast installation and ease of operation and maintenance.

“The Quintus press was the world’s first high pressure press, a design that was used to manufacture synthetic diamonds and other products,” notes Ed Williams, General Manager – Americas, Quintus Technologies. “A very large percentage of our systems installed 30+ years ago are still operational today.

“As befits our undisputed leadership position,” Mr. Williams continues, “we are also introducing the industry’s best HPP service program, Quintus® Care, whose commitments will be met by veteran field service engineers with many years of experience in high pressure presses.”

Quintus Care includes prioritized 24/7 technical support, guaranteed access to spare parts, on-site assistance within 24 hours, and site visits including operator and maintenance training. The program also includes extensive application support, ensuring that customers can take full advantage of the HPP technology. Periodic maintenance and annual inspections assure customers that their HPP equipment stays in prime working condition to meet productivity expectations and reduce the risk of unplanned stops.

“The range of products benefitting from high pressure processing has expanded exponentially from the first commercialized product, ‘preservative-free guacamole,’ to today’s large variety of food products,” Mr. Söderström observes.

“Processors now are looking not only to continue the innovation stream of high-margin, value-added products, but to maintain production efficiencies through high system availability and controlled service costs. The new generation of Quintus HPP systems will help them accomplish these goals,” he concludes.