Productivity 4.0 with Symaga

While committed to Symaga’s mission of increasing the quality standards of their silos, they continue investing on start of the art manufacturing equipment by preserving their core values: sustainable development and safety. Recently, the installation of a new 8kw laser has been completed, which increases our productivity by 50 percent and enables them to process thicknesses of up to 30mm, with an overall 75 percent saving in electricity and reducing the amount of gas caused during their cutting operations. 

Over the last months their welding section has made sound progress on achieving their goal consisting of monitoring in real time all tasks performed by robots, enabling them to gather relevant manufacturing production data. The new UPN welding group and the new robot are more powerful, since they are made of pulsed arc welding equipment that increases speed and improves work on difficult surface edges. Additionaly, ventilated welding screens have been purchased to prevent workers from breathing in welding gases.

Symaga’s annual investment plan continues to increase productivity within the framework of enviromental respect, safety and total control of the factory through MES-SGA system. Symaga improves the quality of its silos while taking care of the environment and its team.

For more information about Symaga visit the website, 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.

MicroHarvest announced as winners at prestigious 2023 BloombergNEF (BNEF) Pioneers awards

Agrifoodtech start-up MicroHarvest, a leading biotech company on a mission to build the sustainable food system of tomorrow, has been named as winning innovator for its response to the challenge of ‘Building a net-zero food production system’ by a panel of expert judges at the prestigious 2023 BloombergNEF (BNEF) Pioneers awards.

With competition from almost 350 applications received by the BNEF, the Hamburg-and-Lisbon-based company proved its credentials amongst worldwide peers by offering a novel, scalable and competitive solution to tackling the challenge of building towards a net-zero economy. The company’s development of technology able to harness the power of microorganisms to produce nutritious and sustainable protein was judged against three criteria: its potential impact on greenhouse gas emissions and environmental sustainability, its degree of technology innovation and novelty, and its likelihood of adoption and potential scalability. MicroHarvest’s highly efficient protein production process suitably impressed the judges, earning the company its place alongside a prestigious group of Pioneer awards alumni.

This proprietary technology – based on biomass fermentation – enables production at a speed and efficiency that far exceeds other existing approaches. The result is quality protein ingredients containing over 60 percent raw protein, that can be produced within 24 hours from input to output. Possible applications along the whole protein value chain are manifold, ranging from animal feed to direct application in food and petfood.

The company operates within the accelerating segment of fermentation-enabled alternative protein that attracted $3.69Bn investment in the last decade, with a 37 percent increase in Europe in 2022. Aside from the booming alternative protein market for human food, MicroHarvest ingredients will also serve a petfood market estimated to grow to over $130Bn by 2030 – and a $62Bn aquafeed market.

Katelijne Bekers, MicroHarvest Co-Founder & CEO, commented on the announcement, “To be awarded this prestigious Pioneers prize by the BNEF amongst such impressive competition is something that we’re extremely proud of. The MicroHarvest team have made significant progress in overcoming the challenges associated with scaling biotechnological processes. We’re developing technology that fuels the resilient food system of tomorrow producing the nutritious and sustainable protein ingredients that the world will need in a very near future. We have already successfully completed a production trial at scale within our first two years, which is an exceptional speed in the fermentation-enabled alternative protein space. Based on our results to date, we are confident that we can marry the sustainability and scale necessary to become a champion of future protein in the B2B ingredients industry.  

Claire Curry, selection committee co-chair and global head of Technology, Industry & Innovation research at BloombergNEF, states, “The search for new climate-technology solutions has never been as urgent. Technologies under development now must scale by 2030 if they are to play a significant role in helping reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Over the past three cycles of the Pioneers competition, we have chosen to focus on innovation areas where there are particularly large decarbonization hurdles. My belief is that our 2023 winners have the technology edge, the talent and the right support systems to play a significant role in overcoming the hurdles in scaling green hydrogen, producing sustainable metals at scale and in decarbonizing our food production system. We have now had 141 Pioneers winners since 2010, many of which have played an essential role in the energy and climate transition since their win. I look forward to seeing our 2023 winners do the same in the next decade.”

For more information about MicroHarvest visit the website, 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.

Canada Grains Council welcomes Erin Gowriluk as new president

The Canada Grains Council (CGC) is pleased to welcome Erin Gowriluk, as its President. As the newest member of the team, Ms Gowriluk will bring her extensive experience in raising the profile of Canada’s grain, oilseed, pulse and special crop sectors and elevating the discussion around relevant policy issues at a national level.

“There is a lot of opportunity for the Canadian grains sector at the moment, and we are confident that Erin is just the person to help us stay at the forefront of a rapidly shifting political, trade and regulatory climate,” says Rick White, CGC Chair. “Erin’s history of strong leadership, strategic innovation and nurturing partnerships within our sector will be immensely helpful as we work to meet strategic goals.”

Most recently, Ms Gowriluk served as Executive Director of the Grain Growers of Canada, where she managed day-to-day operations and advanced federal policy work on behalf of 65,000 grain farmer members from coast to coast. She has also held senior policy roles with Syngenta Canada, and the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions.

Ms Gowriluk was drawn to the CGC because she believes the organisation’s track record shows that there is more that unites the Canadian grain industry than divides it, she says.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this truly unique organisation, which includes representation from the entire value chain and unprecedented levels of industry collaboration,” Ms Gowriluk says. “As we face unprecedented market and trade challenges for Canadian crop exports, barriers to innovation without our industry, and increasing regulatory burdens for our sector, there has never been a more important time for our industry to raise its profile and influence change through one unified and impactful voice. I am excited to work with Council members to expand the scope of our collective work and our impact.”

Ms Gowriluk replaces outgoing Executive Vice-President Tyler Bjornson.

For more information about the Canada Grains Council visit the website, 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.

Ortaş Milling, which settled in the new factory, continues to reach its growth targets

Ortas Milling has acquired the characteristic of being a safe enterprise by manufacturing products that can compete on a global scale with its technical installations and expert personnel since its generation. 

Consistent with the philosophy of total quality management, the company has adopted the principle of project delivery without error by questioning every detail from the input of raw materials to the delivery of the machine with Ortas quality.

Ortas has demonstrated a professional approach that suits its brand in all processes such as production standard, quality, sustainability and after-sales technical support in establishing factories for wheat flour, semolina and animal feed, and was aware of its responsibility.

Ortas which has become one of the top names in producing flour and feed mill machines with its quality and technology, is emerging as the industry leader.

Founded in 1996, ORTAS MILLING pursues its activities with its modern and technological manufacturing infrastructure in its new factory in Konya 5th Organised Industrial Zone.

With an area of 30,000 square meters, it has provided a more spacious workplace for its employees and has increased its production capacity. 

By increasing its spare parts inventory through its large storage area, Ortas promises its customers a simpler and faster service solution.

Ortas also contributes greatly to technological developments in the sector with its R&D centre and engineers.

For more information about Ortas visit the website, 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.

Anpario announce move from fish oil sources to sustainable microalgae

Anpario’s Optomega product range is renowned for helping producers to deliver omega-3 enriched milk, meat and eggs, as well as supporting livestock fertility and other crucial biological functions. To date, Anpario have focused on utilising fish oils to develop these products, however Anpario have announced a move to an alternative, sustainable omega-3 source – microalgae.

Image credit: Oliver.dodd on flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

“To ensure we are providing customers with the best quality products, Anpario have been focussing on the development of new effective and sustainable omega-3 alternatives,” explains Andrew Jackson, Anpario’s Commercial Director.

“Due to dietary restrictions for farmed fish, there has been a reduction seen in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, present in the final oils. When combined with significant market price movement, seeking alternative omega-3 sources and revaluating the product range ensures both value and quality are maintained for customers”.

The last few years have seen Anpario develop innovative Optomega Algae products, which provide a rich, high-quality source of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Containing oil derived from sustainably sourced microalgae blended onto a unique carrier system for a free-flowing, easy to use powder product with a superior shelf life.

The microalgae sources used by Anpario are produced by fermentation. This process is highly sustainable, utilising renewable sugarcane production with waste cane stocks being used as an energy source to power the facility.

“As a result of the high and consistent levels of DHA found in Optomega Algae, this new product not only offers better value for producers due a lower cost of inclusion, it also frees up nutritional space within the diet or ration compared to fish oil products making it an ideal option for feed manufacturers and producers alike,” concludes Andrew Jackson.

For more information about Anpario visit the website, 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.

Modular Transfer Point Kit For belt conveyors offers faster installation and more options

Martin Engineering has reimagined the bulk handling transfer chute to reduce downtime for installation and offer more options for future modifications. The Martin®Transfer Point Kit includes modular horizontal loading zone, settling zone, and stilling zone configurations, providing easier installation and a wider variety of chute options while facilitating future upgrades. The kit simplifies the installation process, reducing the amount of labour required for assembly and allowing the system to be pre-built prior to installation for reduced system downtime. The result is faster installation with less labor and shorter shutdowns, increasing the return on investment (ROI). 

“This is a rugged one-kit solution designed to fit most standard conveyors and belt widths, regardless of what material is being transferred,” says Dave Mueller, Conveyor Products Manager at Martin Engineering. “Our Center for Innovation (CFI) is constantly looking for ways to engineer equipment with safety and our customer’s bottom line in mind. That’s why the kit doesn’t just streamline labor, time and production, but it’s also a logistical solution by shipping it in one crate.” 

The Martin® Transfer Point Kit is a heavy-duty horizontal enclosure for the loading zone. Each kit is either ordered as a loading zone, settling zone, or stilling zone. The width and length of the kit are determined by the receiving belt’s width and speed and the dust characteristics of the material being transferred. Dustier applications may require a longer settling zone.

This innovation solves three common problems. The first is that transfer chutes are normally shipped in different packages that sometimes don’t arrive at the same time. Upon delivery, inventory is stored until scheduled downtime, increasing the chance of loss or misplacement. Another problem is, for most new transfer chutes on the market, some components can be prepared and assembled beforehand, but generally, new chutes need to be completely fabricated during downtime. The inability to build the structure before a shutdown increases the project budget and contributes to lost production time. The third problem is, after construction, horizontal transfer point chutes are commonly a single system that requires significant engineering and construction to be modified. Changes to existing transfer points can be challenging, but to accommodate new belt support equipment or adapt to increases in production, the chute is often raised or lengthened.  

To address these problems, the chute sections are 1) delivered in a single crate with every component for assembly included, 2) able to be assembled prior to the shutdown and installation, saving time and money, and 3) fully modular, making future changes easy without expensive construction projects.

The transfer point system accommodates belt widths of 18-72 in. (450-1800 mm) and an internal chute width of 9-59 in. (228-1498 mm). Each modular section is either 4 feet (1.21 meters) or 6 ft. (1.82 m) long and constructed of mild steel, 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel, with a thickness of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm), 0.5 in. (12.7 mm), or 0.75 (19.05 mm) to accommodate a wide variety of materials and conditions.  

The taller loading zone controls air turbulence and connects to both the drop chute and settling zone. When cargo hits a belt with great velocity, fines and lumps splash up the sides of the belt. Without a properly sealed enclosure, the material will spill underneath the conveyor, creating a hazard, restricting access and fouling other components. The settling zone follows the loading zone and helps mitigate dust emissions. Dust is collected, mechanically filtered or settled back into the cargo stream prior to leaving the stilling zone and continuing as a conventional open air conveyor.

Listed under a single part number, the kit includes a chutewall weldment, wearliner assembly, wearliner plate, outer chute supports, top cover, tail panel/clamp/rubber sheet, installation hardware and an owner’s manual. The skirt seal is sold separately, since it is a single piece that runs the entire length of the chute and skirting is the most frequently replaced wear part in most transfer points. 

The Martin® Transfer Point Kit installation is covered under the Absolutely No Excuses Guarantee as long as a Martin Engineering technician is involved in the installation process. Although assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow, another benefit of involving a factory-trained Martin expert is that customers who have ordered the kit have experienced a significant reduction in assembly and installation time. Moreover, once the system is started up and tested, there is a knowledgeable person on-hand to offer advice on adjustments to ensure optimum performance.

“After installation, Martin Territory Managers or partner distributors are available to offer support,” Mr Mueller adds. “The feedback for the kit has been excellent. Customers get the heavy-duty Martin quality they’ve come to expect in a more convenient, efficient and sustainable package.”

For more information about Martin engineering visit the website, 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.

Visit our booth at the 127th Annual IAOM Conference & Expo

127th Annual IAOM Conference & Expo began on April 17 and will end on April 21. Held at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in the US, the event is the premier educational event for grain milling and seed processing professionals. 

The annual event gathers milling and allied trade professionals from around the world for three days of education, networking, and fellowship. Educational and technical programs presented at the conference assist millers in improving yields, productivity, customer satisfaction and safety. The programs are presented by seasoned professionals in the field who have experienced the issues affecting millers first-hand.

Darren Paris, our International Sales Manager of Milling and Grain magazine, is attending the event. You can find him at booth 811 where you can collect a complimentary magazine as well. 

For more information about the event, 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.