Pasteurizer Failure Halves Output at Atala Apple-Pressing Station

The Hämeen‑Pirkanmaan Martat's new juice station in Atala, Tampere, is operating at half capacity after one of its pasteurizers broke down, YLE reports. The station opened this month to meet surging demand when Martat launched the Atala pressing station. An unusually large local harvest has further strained capacity after a bumper crop flooded Pirkanmaa with surplus apples.

Director Maria Järvelin says staff are trying to clear a stuck coil in the machine with professional help. The organisation may have to buy an entirely new pasteurizer, and repairs could take until early next week.

The facility normally runs two pasteurizers at once. The newer, slower unit has failed, leaving the station overwhelmed as many customers bring far more apples than their booked slots allow. Nearby facilities in Hämeenkyrö, Nekala and several 4H associations are largely booked up.

About 95 percent of the juice made at the station is pasteurised, a process that heats juice to roughly 80°C to extend shelf life. Järvelin suggests some people consider skipping pasteurisation and freezing their juice, though that shortens storage options.

The first free appointment is now unlikely for at least a couple of weeks. Scheduled times are being cancelled, leaving many customers upset.