Guide · Factory setup

Setting Up a Modern Cashew Processing Factory

What it takes to build a modern cashew factory

A practical guide to setting up a modern cashew processing factory — capacity planning, machinery, building, power, labour and financing — from a manufacturer who builds them.

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Capacityplanning

Utilities& layout

Financingready

Setting Up a Modern Cashew Processing Factory — What it takes to build a modern cashew factory

FIG.P4 // FACTORY SETUP Ø PLAN → PRODUCTION

Engineered & built by TTQ

In short

Setting up a modern cashew processing factory involves choosing a target capacity, securing raw-nut supply, planning the building and utilities (power, water, shell-fired heat, compressed air), selecting the machine line and automation level, and financing the project — usually with a bankable project report. A modern factory is PLC-automated for high whole-kernel yield and low labour, and uses its own shell waste for energy. TTQ supports the whole journey: layout, machinery, installation, training and a detailed project report for financing.

Scope

What's included

Capacity & supply

Match plant size to your raw-nut supply and target market.

Building & utilities

Floor layout, power, water, shell-fired heat and compressed air.

Machine line & automation

The right stages and automation level for your economics.

Financing & project report

A bankable report with capex, layout, yields and ROI.

The process

How it comes together

Plan capacity

Set target tonnes per 8-hour shift against raw-nut supply and market.

Site & building

Secure the floor area, power and water.

Project report

Prepare a bankable report for financing.

Machinery & layout

Select the line and automation level.

Install & commission

Build, wire and commission to spec.

Train & run

Train operators and ramp to full production.

Why TTQ

One manufacturer, end to end

Energy-smart

Shell-fired heat and biomass boilers cut fuel cost from day one.

Sized around whole-kernel yield

Calibration, cutting and dry peeling are specified together, because the whole-kernel share is what the plant actually earns on.

Scalable

Start at a workable scale and expand in modules.

Supplier-supported

TTQ engineers the layout and commissions the line with you.

Diagrams

The process, drawn

Process diagram

The eight core stages

Raw cashew nut in at one end, packed export kernel out at the other. Moisture is the thread: every stage either takes it out or puts a controlled amount back.

Calibration Size grading 8–10% moisture

Steaming Shell softened 3–4 bar · 20–25 min

Shelling Kernel released 85–90% whole

Borma drying Testa turns brittle 13–14 h → 3–4%

Humidification Surface rewetted → 5–6% surface

Peeling Testa removed 80–90% first pass

Grading & sorting Size then colour W180–W500

Packing Vacuum + metal check 3–5% moisture

Capacities and cycles are Size A basis, per 8-hour shift. Stages 04 and 05 are separate machines in separate rooms — the borma oven dries, the humidifier puts moisture back.

Process diagram

Plant scale and what actually separates the tiers

Capacity alone does not explain the jump between plant sizes. The additions do.

Small One peeler, no colour sorter 300–500 kg/h

Medium Adds colour sorter + second peeler 800–1,000 kg/h

Large Four peelers, multi-channel sorter, two packers, shell press 1,500–2,000 kg/h

Equipment is only 55–65% of a project. Installation, electrical work, buildings, utilities and raw-material inventory typically add 40–60% on top of the equipment package.

See it in action

Watch a TTQ line run

Watch the demo

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