Bühler's Grain Innovation Center to pioneer new ideas opens its doors - Food and Drink Technology

Posted: 29 October 2024

Related core topics: Equipment, Processing

Related topics: cleaning, Grain Innovation Center, grains, Grinding, herbs, Mixing, optical sorting, protein shifting, pulses, sifting, spices

Related organisations: Buhler

Related people: Johannes Wick, Lothar Driller, Stefan Birrer

Swiss technology group Bühler has inaugurated its new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, combining high-tech solutions with the company’s long-standing expertise.

The GIC is designed to “empower” customers from the food and animal nutrition industries to innovate and improve their processes. Additionally, customers and partners have access to the comprehensive Application & Training Center (ATC) hub.

“The Grain Innovation Center is the latest addition to Bühler’s expanding network of Application & Training Centers in Uzwil,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group. “We cover the entire range of production, from various raw materials to a wide array of finished products. In doing so, we provide our customers with exceptional flexibility and the choices they need to address increasing challenges and revolutionise their markets.”

Bühler says the GIC’s fresh, modern, and high-tech milling technology facility can maintain flour quality with variable raw materials, improve production and energy efficiency, manage safety issues, or find and keep well skilled professionals.

The five-story facility spans 2,000 square metres and features state-of-the-art infrastructure along with over 70 pieces of cutting-edge equipment from Bühler and its partners.

The GIC is equipped with the latest solutions and technologies for processing grain and pulses. Customers can conduct tests on food and animal feed and can develop new processes and solutions in various areas, including cleaning, optical sorting, grinding, sifting, mixing, protein shifting (a mechanical process that increases the protein concentration in plant-based raw materials). Additionally, they can work on hygienisation and pelleting, as well as dehulling, peeling, and pearling of grains and pulses.

“The GIC offers an unparalleled environment where customers can develop tailored processes and witness the extensive capabilities of Bühler’s diverse portfolio first-hand,” says Stefan Birrer, head of business area milling solutions at Bühler. “The GIC is not just a facility, it’s a symbol of our commitment to helping customers succeed in an industry that is continuously evolving.”

Food trials encompass a variety of raw materials, including cereals, herbs, spices, and pulses. The GIC includes the technology and expertise to conduct trials on local and ancient grains. Leveraging its extensive know-how in processing, the GIC also offers testing for various other commodities, including coffee, nuts, and insects. Additionally, the Application & Training Center caters to non-food bulk solids, such as plastics and absorbers.

Feed trials can be performed with production capacities of up to five tonnes per hour, covering the entire production line or individual process steps.

“One of the main advantages of the GIC is its ability to provide not only detailed data that enable continuous and precise monitoring of the process but also the physical and chemical properties of the product at every stage of production and under different process conditions,” says Lothar Driller, department manager Feed Application Center and Trainings at Bühler.

The side streams generated by the GIC, such as wheat bran and rice husks, corn husk, pea hulls, and screenings from cleaning, will feed Bühler’s Energy Recovery Center, which provides heating for Bühler offices in Uzwil. Customers can also use this Center to explore the potential of utilising side streams through energy recovery, which can lead to the reduction of their carbon footprint, waste, and energy costs.

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. The new training facility is due to be operational by January 2025.