March 22, 2024

Bühler's Grain Innovation Center construction enters final stage

March 21, 2024 - Bühler's new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in the field of grain processing innovation. This new facility will become the successor of Bühler's former Grain Technology Center, which has served the milling industry since 1951.

Bühler’s new Grain Innovation Center in Uzwil is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in the field of grain processing innovation.

The facility is being completely rebuilt to support customers in navigating the evolving market dynamics in the grain processing industry and to develop the foods of the future. In the multi-purpose centre, customers from the food and animal feed sectors can conduct trials on new products and explore new processes and solutions. They will also have full access to Bühler's exceptional ecosystem of Application & Training Centres at the headquarters, covering the entire protein value chain. The GIC will open its doors to customers, partners and guests on October 28, 2024.

Bühler's former Grain Technology Center, operational for nearly 75 years, needed modernisation to keep up with market demands. With the food and feed sectors experiencing rapid changes in the past few years, customers need more flexibility, creativity and the right environment to adapt their products. The Grain Innovation Center will support customers in addressing key issues, such as the use of local raw materials, increasing productivity and safety, and meeting requirements for new and healthier products.

The new facility spans 2000 square metres, features state-of-the-art infrastructure, and cutting-edge equipment from Bühler and its partners. "We are so excited to be nearing completion of this important new facility, which brings together Bühler's rich history in milling with cutting-edge technology. By integrating the GIC into Bühler's network of Application & Training Centres in Uzwil, customers benefit from an ideal setup that enables them to turn challenges into opportunities," says Christian Geser, Project Director Grains & Food at Bühler Group.

Construction on the project started in August 2022, when in a first step, all the equipment at Bühler's previous Grain Technology Center was removed from the building. Between October 2022 and January 2023, the building was demolished and a new foundation built. The construction of the five-story GIC started in February 2023 and was completed in 12 months. Now, in March 2024, the project has entered its final phase, and the installation of all equipment and systems has begun. Some of the previous equipment was refurbished for reuse in the new GIC. Remanufacturing machines offers not only economic but also environmental benefits, such resource efficiency by reusing components and waste reduction. Some of the machines were sold to customers and only a minor portion was discarded and recycled.

The modernisation project also includes Bühler's Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT), both of which will be housed in a new structure strategically located next to the GIC to increase synergies. 

Spanning an area of 1600 square meters, this new training facility for the Milling Academy and the SFT will have classrooms, an open learning area, meeting rooms, a customer service corner, new laboratories, a workshop area and a larger changing room for customers and employees. This new building will enable Bühler's team and customers to adapt and develop the skills needed to keep pace with a quickly changing and increasingly challenging work environment. About 800 customers and 150 internal employees were trained in more than 120 training courses offered by the Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology in 2023. The building is slated to be operational by January 2025.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

March 21, 2024

Storing and discharging bulk materials - operation, design and specifications of hoppers and silos for reliable discharge

March 21, 2024 - Learn from the experts at the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology as they present 2 related courses in April and May. Both courses take place in Chatham, Kent at the Wolfson Centre premises.

Storage and Discharge of Powders and Bulk Materials; 16-17 April 2024

A basic general short course covering some of the most common innies encountered by process engineers when handling bulk materials including material build-up in hoppers and unreliable discharge of the contents. Learn about:

  • Basic of hopper and silo design and function
  • Dealing with potential problems
  • Discharge aids and interfacing to feeders

Attendees are also invited to join the Practical Workshop on 18 April, where some of the theory aspects are demonstrated in Wolfson's on-site Pilot Plant.

Design of Equipment for Storing and Discharging Bulk Material 15-16 May 2024

An advanced course offering an assessment of storage and handling requirements of bulk materials for drawing up specifications and designing hoppers and silos. Learn about:

  • Minimising project risk through characterisation of bulk materials
  • Detail design for storage equipment
  • Best practice for bulk handling plant design and operation
  • When should discharge aids be applied and appropriate types
  • Methods for correct interfacing

Both courses give the opportunity to speak to the experts and network with other attendees.

Who should attend?

All courses are written with the engineer in mind. They are recommended for operators who handle bulk materials daily, for maintenance, Health & Safety officers, plant or equipment designers and manufacturers, or management of such staff. Anyone who handles any form of bulk material could benefit from attending.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

CESCO oversees preparations for erection of steel mill building and storage plant in Cameroon

March 21, 2024 - As part of their ongoing commitment to quality and meticulous project management, CESCO has announced the successful inspection of civil works in preparation for the erection of a state-of-the-art steel mill building and external grain storage plant in Cameroon. This project, financed by the German bank AKA-Bank with the support of the German Euler Hermes Export Credit Insurance, signifies a significant step forward in the region's industrial development.

Last week, CESCO's dedicated team, led by their Senior Supervisor, conducted a thorough inspection of the site to ensure that all groundwork is correctly in place before commencing the erection phase. This included verifying the precise positioning of anchor bolts and finalising the preparations for the pouring of concrete.

In addition to CESCO's on-site efforts, they are pleased to report that deliveries of crucial components from Germany, Italy and Spain are processing smoothly, further solidifying their timeline for this project.

"We are excited to see our vision taking shape in Cameroon," said Dr Martino Celeghini, CEO of CESCO. "The meticulous inspection of the civil works are a testament to our dedication to quality and efficiency. We look forward to continuing this momentum as we move into the erection phase."

With this milestone reached, CESCO stands firm in their promise to provide excellent industrial plants and to contribute to the growth and development of the region.

For more information, please contact info@cesco-group.com.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

Innovative food security project in Bangladesh

March 21, 2024 - Bangladesh, one of the most populated countries in the world, is experiencing strong economic and demographic growth demanding expansion of their agri-food industry supported by government projects food security.


Symaga has participated in the Modern Food Security Project (MSP), led by the Bangladesh government, by manufacturing and delivering two silo installations of silos to the Danish company Cimbria. One plant is located in the town of Naranyangani, reaching up to a number of 12 silos SBHX1834/15 and the second one in Barisal, a city located in the Ganges delta with 16 silos SBHX1680/13.

The Government of Bangladesh has launched an innovative plan to build grain storage plants at several strategic locations. These plants will be equipped with a 'Food Stock Market Monitoring System'. The objective is to supervise the food stock, as well as the transport and the overall market in order to reduce inefficiencies.

Bangladesh is a key country for Symaga, with 1.5M m3 of built storage in 150 silos assembled in 'The Lands of Rivers'. The country's main agribusiness players such as City Group, A R Specialised, Auto Rice Mills, Akij, and Basundhara have relied on Symaga industrial silos. The company has participated in other projects in the Asian country as a port terminal for one of the largest business groups in the country, Bashundhara LT, and in a few weeks will start the assembly of the Chittagong terminal. 

Food security projects in Bangladesh are emblematic for Symaga, as they strengthen the company's corporate mission: helping to feed the world. We look forward to continuing to contribute to this MFSP (Modern Food Security Project) by supplying silos for the upcoming grain storage plants.

With more than 35 years of experience, Symaga has a fully automated factory with computer numerical control and cutting-edge technology. Recently visited by Darren Parris, the Group President for Milling and Grain, he has seen first-hand the army of 30+ robots and high-tech machinery that is used to reach maximum quality standards and keep Symaga costs competitive and attractive to the consumer. Darren reports that Symaga has exceeded 15,500 installations, building more than 57 million m³ of grain storage in more than 150 countries. 

After many visits to the factory, Darren has noted the constant investment in updated technology that has achieved total automation, reaching the maximum quality standard. Symaga obtained CE certificate, becoming the first silo manufacturer to obtain it. Moreover, the integral traceability system has its very own quality control system, allowing it to control all manufactured products in real time.

Speaking with the owner Alfonso Garrido, he stated "Our products are renowned for their durability and easy-assemble. Silos are manufactured in corrugated galvanized steel, with a 600 gr/m² coating in the cylinder, and zinc-magnesium covering in the roof, ensuring a double service life more than other suppliers do.”

Darren reported there were between 12,000 and 15,000 tons of galvanised steel in stock, which is a colossal amount and gives Symaga the ability to quote steel prices they already have and to deliver on time an enviable position.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

March 15, 2024

Heiko Otte-Witte becomes new Managing Director of Schule Mühlenbau

March 15, 2024 - F H Schule Mühlenbau GmbH, a Kahl Group company, has appointed Heiko Otte-Witte as its new Managing Director. The 54-year-old succeeds Uwe Wehrmann. Together with Marius Hermes, he takes over the management of the specialist milling company.

Heiko Otte-Witte, new Managing Director of F. H. SCHULE Mühlenbau GmbH

Schule Mühlenbau builds and sells rice and oat mills worldwide, as well as plants for processing pulses, oilseeds and specialty products such as bulgur, buckwheat and spelt. Heiko Otte-Witte is no stranger to the company based in Reinbek near Hamburg. From 2021 to 2023, he was responsible for managing major projects there. Since January, he has been supporting Marius Hermes in the management. Thanks to is many years of experience in the milling industry, he is well qualified for his new position. A miller by trade, he has held various positions in the industry during his career, including production manager of a hulling mill, engineering manager and technical director.

His new responsibilities include further developing the machines and plants and opening up new areas of business, such as protein extraction. The focus of these measures is the strengthening of Schule Mühlenbau's competitiveness. "I'm looking forward to the new challenge," says Heiko Otte-Witte. "We want to continue to supply high-quality machines and plants worldwide and be a reliable and competent partner for our existing and new customers, true to our Schule slogan: Your Partner in Milling".

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

USDA FSIS Undersecretary Dr Jose Emilio Esteban to speak at 2024 Poultry Processor Workshop

March 14, 2024 - Advancement and change continue at a rapid pace in today's poultry industry. As increasing automation and new management techniques occur, the poultry processing plant feels the impact perhaps more than any other operation in the company. Throw in labour challenges and talent development, and managing the plant becomes more complicated day by day. Learn about ways to overcome these challenges and increase efficiency and effectiveness during USPoultry's 2024 Poultry Processor Workshop that will be held May 15-16, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee.


"This year's Workshop will feature a stellar line up of speakers. Participants will hear from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Undersecretary Dr Jose Emilio Esteban, and a representative from KFC will provide a company's perspective on 'What's Coming Down the Pike in Animal Welfare.' In addition, Wayne-Sanderson Farms' President and CEO Clint Rivers will give his perspective of 'Leadership: It Starts at the Top,'" stated Matt Wooten, operations manager, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and program planning committee chair. "With a full slate of high caliber speakers, there truly is something for everyone."

The program will also address operation challenges, including topics on Statistical Process Control: The How and the Why; Salmonella Reduction; Workforce Engagement ... Generational Differences/Navigating a Changing Workforce; Plant/Process Safety; A Preventative Maintenance Program: One Company's Success; Processing Automation Pros and Cons: User Perspective; and much more.

The agenda was developed by a program committee of plant managers and food safety and quality assurance professionals that includes Kelly Baker, Maple Leaf Farms; Cris Contreras, Golden Rod Broilers Inc; Valerie Dahlka, Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Corbett Kloster, Fieldale Farms Coroporation; Nicole Reynolds, House of Raeford Farms, Inc; Stephen Snyder, Claxton Poultry Farms; and Matthew Wooten, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and program planning committee chair.

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.

March 14, 2024

Victam Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024 opens its doors

March 14, 2024 - The Victam Corporation and the VNU Group collaborate together again in organising Victam Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024. Together with GRAPAS Asia, these premier events create the ultimate platform for the animal feed, health and nutrition, and milling sectors, showcasing the latest innovations and products.

The event is taking place from March 12-14, 2024, at Halls 100-102, BITEC, Bangkok. Over 250 leading companies within the industry are showcasing their products and innovations. This event is a key opportunity to engage with these industry leaders in Asia's expanding animal feed and health sector as well as the rice and grain milling industries. Network with innovators, gain insights from global leaders, and be at the forefront of emerging trends in Asia's rapidly expanding animal feed and health sector. Visitors can also learn from the best in the industry during the conferences and technical seminars which are organised simultaneously with the exhibition.

Mr Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of Victam Corporation, the organiser of Victam Asia, stated, "The 2024 edition of Victam will focus on key themes such as advancements in feed milling technology, the evolving aquafeed sector in Asia, and the latest in grain, flour and rice processing technologies, alongside critical sustainability initiatives. We are proud to host eminent exhibitors like Amandus Kahl, DSM, CSI Group and Van Aarsen, who are at the forefront of these developments."

Mr Tom Faulkner, Senior Project Manager of VNU Europe, the organiser of Health & Nutrition Asia, stated, "VNU Group specialises extensively in the animal feed industry and hosts numerous large-scale events across Asia and beyond. Health & Nutrition Asia is the only event that prioritises animal health, and nutrition profiles, as this sector continues to experience continuous growth due to the significant impact of nutrition on animal health and meat quality. Good animal health care is a crucial aspect that the animal feed business cannot overlook. We have synergised over 250 companies and 400 leading brands from various countries to business matching within the Health & Nutrition Asia. We have also curated conference topics of interest presented by speakers from government agencies, educational institutions, financial institutions, and the private sector to update industry knowledge and expand business networks endlessly."

Mr Salanroj Sutaschuto, Director of Administration Department, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), stated, "The collaboration between two leading organisers in the industry for this event undoubtedly fulfils the needs of promoting and strengthening the image of the MICE industry in Thailand. It enhances direct tourism revenue for the country. This event serves as a significant platform for the animal feed and animal health business, which is crucial for the global livestock and food security chain. We are confident that this event will set the highest standards for the industry in years to come."

Dr Sopat Chavalkul (DVM), Deputy Director General, Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, sated, "The Department of Livestock Development commends the collaborative initiative to congregate Victam Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024 within the same locale. This cohesive endeavour allows participants to access a comprehensive array of services in one cohesive venue. Thailand serves as a hub and gateway of agricultural and livestock technology in the ASEAN region. With our robust infrastructure and conductive business environment, we offer unparalleled opportunities for investment, research, and collaboration. By leveraging our strengths and harnessing emerging technologies, we seek to drive sustainable growth and prosperity for all. The chance for feed development in Thailand covering poultry, aquaculture, encompassing livestock, are ripe with opportunities for growth and innovation. Department of Livestock is delighted to continue its unwavering support for events like Victam Asia and Health and Nutrition Asia 2024. These platforms provide invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchanges, networking and showcasing cutting-edge solutions."

Mr Nitipong Laohavisit, Acting President of the Thailand Pet Industry Association, stated, "As the pet industry continues to flourish in Thailand, so too does the importance of Victam Asia. This platform provides a unique opportunity for businesses, professionals and enthusiasts from across the region to connect, share knowledge and explore the latest advancements in per food production and animal nutrition. The Thai pet industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a surge in pet ownership and a growing awareness of pet health and well-being. This increasing demand for premium pet food, treats and healthcare products highlights the consumer's need for a more complete pet ecosystem."

For more information, visit HERE.

The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine Milling and Grain
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.




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