HISTORY
1990
Vizier's first optical camera system under construction.
The first image processing sorting software running on DOS operating system.
1992
Our first fruit sizer sold to the industry
2002
An industry first, developing Vizier's revolutionary optical grape sizer.
2009
Vizier starts utilizing CAD techniques enabling full packhouse solutions.
2010
Vizier awarded the prestigious SABS design excellence award for our grape sizer solution.
TODAY
VIZIER'S WORLD CLASS PACKHOUSE SOLUTIONS
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE
AN EVEN DEEPER DIVE INTO OUR HISTORY
Our story begins in 1990 when markets started demanding higher fruit quality specifications and the need for fruit sizing technology was identified. Bernard van Zyl and Jopie ten Cate were responsible for the electronic and software design and components of South Africa’s first fruit sizing system. Together with Altech a project was established to develop a cost-effective system for the farmer, which focused on productivity and reliable support. The project was funded by the IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) and Altech (an established company) and the first product sold in December 1992.
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What came to be known as Vizier Systems was a result of a management buyout of Altech. The IDC acknowledged Vizier’s stellar product and technological development efforts and gave rewards to Vizier Systems three years in a row. At that stage the focus was based on the software component of the sizers with other companies producing the mechanical components. The University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch pre-and post-graduate engineering students contributed toward the technological development of Vizier’s packhouse solutions. Soon afterwards Vizier started supplying total packhouse solution, contracting the planning and development of the systems from start to finish.
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In 2002 a need for grading and sorting systems for table grapes saw Vizier undertaking further research and development. With further funding from the IDC and Capespan a first of its kind prototype was developed and the first commercial grape sizer unit was sold in 2006. In 2010 SABS gave their Design Excellence Award to Vizier for their grape sizer.
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In 2009 Vizier started utilizing CAD techniques, which aided design and gave Vizier the ability to manufacture complete hardware systems and supply everything a packhouse might require. All components are designed in house and the mechanical structures are assembled in our factory in Somerset West. CE certification for the EU market is ensured and easy maintenance, operation and functional upgradability became the now known hallmarks of our products.