Fresh off its launch at Interpack 2026, the new Little Gem Aspire from Urschel will make its Australian trade show debut at Foodpro 2026. Heat and Control will showcase the compact new dicer to local processors, demonstrating its versatile capabilities.
Developed for small to medium-sized processing operations, the Little Gem Aspire combines multiple cutting capabilities in a compact footprint. Designed to support operational flexibility across a wide range of fresh produce applications, the machine delivers precise cuts while supporting efficient operation, ease of use, and a low total cost of ownership.
Suitable for a variety of fruit and vegetable applications, it can process products including onions, potatoes, apples, carrots, tomatoes, beetroot, and mango. The machine is capable of producing slices from 2-20mm, along with a range of strip cuts and dices up to 20mm.
“One of the key advantages of the Little Gem Aspire is its versatility across multiple fruit and vegetable applications,” says Paul Frederick, territory manager for Urschel products at Heat and Control.
“Fresh produce naturally varies in size, density, and moisture content, so processors require equipment capable of delivering consistent, precise cuts across different products and applications,” says Frederick.
“It combines multiple cutting capabilities within a single machine, allowing processors to quickly transition between products while achieving uniform cutting results.”
As processors continue looking for ways to maximise production flexibility without increasing line footprint, compact equipment capable of handling multiple cutting applications within a single machine is becoming increasingly valuable.
Engineered for a low total cost of ownership – from initial investment through to ongoing operation – it is designed to support efficient processing while simplifying operation and maintenance requirements.
Key features include a compact footprint to support efficient line integration, multiple cut styles from a single machine, and a wide cutting range capable of processing slices from 2-20mm to dices up to 20mm.
As the exclusive representative of Urschel in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa, Heat and Control can also arrange no-obligation test cutting before committing to a purchase.
CEIA metal detector makes Aussie trade show debut
Heat and Control will also introduce the new CEIA THS/210-MBH9 metal detector at foodpro, ideally suited to meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, ready meals, and plant-based protein applications, where reliable contaminant detection and rigorous sanitation requirements go hand in hand. Heat and Control is the exclusive supplier of CEIA equipment in Australia.
Source: Heat and Control
Designed specifically for wet and washdown intensive processing environments, the system delivers advanced metal detection performance while supporting the industry’s highest hygiene standards. Developed to help food processors strengthen food safety and improve operational efficiency, the THS/210-MBH9 combines advanced detection capabilities with hygienic IP69K construction.
At the core of the THS/210-MBH9 is CEIA’s exclusive multi-spectrum technology, designed to manage product effect caused by natural variations in moisture, salt content, temperature, density, and other product characteristics. By automatically compensating for these variables, the system maintains high detection sensitivity while reducing false rejects, product waste, and unnecessary production interruptions.
The THS/210-MBH9 features IP69K-rated construction, AISI 316L stainless steel housing, and FDA-compliant materials to withstand rigorous washdown procedures. Its hygienic design supports residue free cleaning and compliance with food safety.
A key enhancement is the system’s rugged touchscreen interface, developed over several years of research and development specifically for harsh washdown environments. Designed to deliver long-term reliability while maintaining intuitive operation, the interface simplifies startup, product changeovers, and access to inspection settings, helping operators work more efficiently in demanding production conditions.
Heat and Control is exhibiting at foodpro 2026. Find us at: R8.
