October 30, 2024

 

Bühler launches Grain Innovation Centre in Uzwil, Switzerland

Swiss technology group Bühler has inaugurated its new Grain Innovation Centre (GIC) in Uzwil, Switzerland, an advanced facility aimed at setting new standards in grain processing technology, FoodTechBiz reported.

 

This centre combines innovative, high-tech solutions with Bühler's longstanding expertise to create a collaborative space for customers in the food and animal nutrition industries, enabling them to innovate and refine their processes to remain competitive in rapidly evolving markets.

 

According to Bühler, the new GIC is designed to empower customers by offering access to the latest advancements in milling technology. Additionally, the facility integrates with the Application & Training Centre (ATC) hub in Uzwil, creating a cohesive environment that connects entire value chains and supports various grain processing initiatives.

 

Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group, noted the GIC as a significant addition to Bühler's network of Application & Training Centres in Uzwil. "We cover the entire range of production, from various raw materials to a wide array of finished products," said Mr Wick. "In doing so, we provide our customers with the flexibility and choices they need to address increasing challenges and revolutionise their markets."

 

The milling industry is navigating a complex landscape due to shifts in global grain supply chains, growing nutritional demands, transparency in sourcing, and increasing cost pressures. These challenges have brought a new focus to areas such as flour quality control with variable raw materials, improved production and energy efficiency, and workforce development. The rising importance of automation, IoT, and data analytics, alongside consumer demand for more sustainable products, has also driven a faster pace of innovation.

 

The newly designed GIC replaces Bühler's former Grain Technology Centre, which served the industry from 1951. Located within a five-story, 2,000 sqm facility, the GIC offers advanced infrastructure and over 70 pieces of cutting-edge equipment, allowing customers to test, experiment, and develop new processes. Stefan Birrer, Head of Business Area Milling Solutions at Bühler, highlighted that "the GIC offers an unparalleled environment where customers can develop tailored processes and witness the extensive capabilities of Bühler's diverse portfolio first hand."

 

The GIC features state-of-the-art solutions for processing grains and pulses. Customers can conduct tests for food and animal feed and explore innovative processes in cleaning, grinding, protein shifting, hygienisation, and other techniques relevant to grains and pulses. Food trials cover diverse raw materials, including cereals, herbs, spices, and pulses, with options for experimenting with ancient grains. This process plays a key role in improving food security globally by expanding the range of viable raw materials.

 

The GIC also supports animal feed production, allowing feed trials with capacities up to five tonnes per hour across the entire production line or specific process steps. Lothar Driller, Department Manager of the Feed Application Centre at Bühler, noted the advantages of detailed data collection during trials. "The GIC provides data that enables continuous and precise monitoring of both physical and chemical properties of the product at every stage," said Mr Driller.

 

In a commitment to sustainability, Bühler's GIC facility utilises side streams – including wheat bran, rice husks, and pea hulls – for energy recovery in the Energy Recovery Centre, which provides heating for Bühler offices in Uzwil. Customers can also explore using side streams to reduce their own carbon footprints, waste, and energy expenses.

 

The GIC joins Bühler's ATC hub, which includes newly launched centres, such as the Flavour Creation Centre, Food Creation Centre, Protein Application Centre, and Energy Recovery Centre, and longer-established facilities like the Extrusion Application Centre. With this network, Bühler supports comprehensive farm-to-fork coverage, offering customers an environment that spans the entire value chain.

 

In addition to the GIC, Bühler's modernisation project includes the Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT), which will relocate to a new structure adjacent to the GIC. This facility will house classrooms, open learning areas, meeting rooms, and laboratories to enhance synergy between education and technology. The new training facility, due to open by January 2025, will continue offering programs like those in 2023, which trained approximately 1,000 customers and 150 Bühler employees through over 120 courses.

 

Rudolf Hofer, head of the Grain Innovation Centre, shared that Bühler's broad strategy aims to bridge gaps and enhance material flow across the entire protein value chain, offering a well-rounded approach that uniquely positions Bühler in the industry.

 

-      FoodTechBiz