Bühler opened its new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, a high-tech facility for grain processing developments. The milling technology facility is the successor to Bühler’s former Grain Technology Center, which has served the milling industry since 1951. The five-story facility spans 2,000 square meters and features over 70 pieces of new-generation equipment from Bühler and its partners.
The entire range of production is covered here, 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 revolutionize their markets,” said Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group.
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, and protein shifting (a mechanical process that increases the protein concentration in plant-based raw materials). Additionally, they can work on hygiene and pelleting, as well as dehulling, peeling, and pearling of grains and pulses.
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.
“With changes in global grain supply chains, nutritional requirements, transparency of sourcing and pricing pressure, the milling industry faces a challenging environment. These include maintaining flour quality with variable raw materials, improving production and energy efficiency, managing safety issues, or finding and keeping well-skilled professionals. Adopting new technologies – such as automation, IoT, and data analytics – and addressing environmental concerns add complexity while growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable products has driven a faster pace of innovation,” Wick added.
A larger innovation hub
The GIC is part of Bühler’s Application & Training Centers hub, which encompasses the four recently launched ATCs – Flavor Creation Center, Food Creation Center, Protein Application Center, and Energy Recovery Center – and other centers that have been in operation for several years, such as the Extrusion Application Center and Pasta Application Center.
Photos : Buhler
