March 20, 2023

 

Betagro to launch advanced feel mill in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

 

Thailand's leading branded food company, Betagro, is launching an advanced feed mill in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast of the country, to strengthen the supply chain of its agro-industrial business group, Bangkok Post reported.

 

The THB 1.4 billion (~US$41 million; THB 10 = US$0.29) Betagro Feed Mill in Nong Bun Mak, will become the country's first fully intelligent plant to use cutting-edge technology in resource management and production processes with automation and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. The factory is aiming for sustainability through the adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

 

With an annual production capacity of more than 600,000 tonnes, Betagro can produce more than 4 million tonnes of feed annually, an increase of 18%. According to a company statement, this should increase the group's competitiveness and sustainably meet rising animal feed demand.

 

Vasit Taepaisitphongse, chief executive officer and president of Betagro, said the development is in line with the company's strategy to upgrade its supply chain from the upstream phase to downstream under a proactive sustainability theme.

 

The Nong Bun Mak facility is the third-largest feed mill owned by Betagro. It produces a range of animal feed for swine, layer hens, and broilers. Vasit said the feed mill is currently operating at 48% of its maximum production capacity and will increase to 100% by the end of the year.

 

A factory management system, sampling and quality inspection systems, automatic controlled raw material storage systems, automatic raw material storage and conveying systems, and the use of robots for packing and conveying are all part of the mill's modern technology infrastructure.

 

Vasit said the smart factory also provides locals access to jobs, fosters cooperative farming opportunities, and enhances farmers' tech abilities.

 

The mill encourages the use of environmentally friendly clean energy, such as rooftop solar panels, which account for 20% of the plant's 2.8 megawatt clean energy output and help to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,900 tonnes annually.

 

Vasit also said the animal feed market will continue to grow in 2023. The Thai Feed Mill Association anticipates a 4.8% increase from 2022 to 20 million tonnes, driven by rising demand for swine, broilers, and layer hens.

 

-      Bangkok Post