Posted on October, 29, 2024 at 04:12 pm
Swiss technology group Bühler has inaugurated its advanced Grain Innovation Center (GIC) at its headquarters in Uzwil, marking a key milestone in grain processing innovation. The GIC combines state-of-the-art technology with Bühler’s extensive expertise, offering a collaborative space for food and animal nutrition industries to advance their production processes and stay competitive in evolving markets.
The new five-story, 2,000-square-meter facility, equipped with over 70 advanced machines, replaces Bühler’s former Grain Technology Center, which had served the industry since 1951. The GIC provides a unique “high-tech playground” where customers can test grain and pulse processing techniques, from cleaning and grinding to protein shifting, pelleting, and hygienization. “The GIC is a testament to our commitment to empowering customers in a rapidly transforming industry,” said Stefan Birrer, Head of Milling Solutions at Bühler.
In addition to food trials on cereals, spices, pulses, and ancient grains, the GIC also offers testing capabilities for coffee, nuts, and even insects. The facility includes the Application & Training Center, which also supports trials for non-food items like plastics and absorbers.
As part of Bühler’s broader innovation ecosystem, the GIC connects with other specialized hubs, including the Flavor Creation Center, Protein Application Center, and Energy Recovery Center, creating a farm-to-fork network that covers entire value chains. “This extensive innovation network allows us to offer unparalleled flexibility to our customers, enabling them to address new challenges and seize growth opportunities,” said Rudolf Hofer, Head of the Grain Innovation Center.
The facility is also environmentally conscious, with side streams like wheat bran and pea hulls being routed to Bühler’s Energy Recovery Center, which heats Bühler’s offices and enables customers to explore energy recovery options.
In addition to technological advancements, the GIC will host the Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology’s new training center. Starting in January 2025, these educational facilities will enhance industry skills with classrooms, labs, and open learning areas, aligning with Bühler’s commitment to upskill talent for the future of grain processing.
Bühler is guided by a mission to drive innovations that support a sustainable world, balancing economic, human, and environmental needs in every decision it makes. Each day, billions rely on Bühler’s technologies, with two billion people consuming food made with Bühler equipment and one billion traveling in vehicles with components crafted using Bühler solutions.
From eyeglasses to smartphones to printed media, countless products worldwide depend on Bühler’s advanced processing technologies. This global influence positions Bühler uniquely to transform today’s challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
As a dedicated technology partner in the food, feed, and mobility sectors, Bühler has pledged to develop solutions by 2025 that cut energy, waste, and water usage in its customers’ value chains by half. The company also collaborates closely with suppliers to minimize climate impact across the value chain. Within its own operations, Bühler aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, based on 2019 levels (under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 and 2).
The company invests up to 5% of its turnover in research and development each year to enhance both the commercial and environmental value of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, with a workforce of 12,500 employees, the company reported a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss, family-owned company with a legacy of 164 years, the company operates in 140 countries, supported by a robust network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers across 25 locations globally.
Bühler is guided by a mission to drive innovations that support a sustainable world, balancing economic, human, and environmental needs in every decision it makes. Each day, billions rely on it’s technologies, with two billion people consuming food made with its equipment and one billion traveling in vehicles with components crafted using it solutions. From eyeglasses to smartphones to printed media, countless products worldwide depend on it’s advanced processing technologies. This global influence positions it uniquely to transform today’s challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
As a dedicated technology partner in the food, feed, and mobility sectors, it has pledged to develop solutions by 2025 that cut energy, waste, and water usage in its customers’ value chains by half. The company also collaborates closely with suppliers to minimize climate impact across the value chain. Within its own operations, it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, based on 2019 levels (under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 and 2).
Bühler invests up to 5% of its turnover in research and development each year to enhance both the commercial and environmental value of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, with a workforce of 12,500 employees, Bühler reported a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss, family-owned company with a legacy of 164 years, Bühler operates in 140 countries, supported by a robust network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers across 25 locations globally.
Source: The Machine Maker