Key Takeaways:
- Bühler has inaugurated the Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, a modern facility aimed at advancing grain processing and supporting industry innovation.
- The GIC offers a collaborative space where food and animal nutrition clients can develop and test new grain processing techniques.
- The center is equipped with over 70 pieces of advanced equipment, providing high-tech resources for testing and developing grain and pulse processing.
- The facility is part of Bühler’s broader Application & Training Centers hub, which spans various aspects of the food and feed industry.
Bühler Expands its Innovation Ecosystem with New Facility
Swiss technology group Bühler has inaugurated its new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, Switzerland. Designed to promote innovation in grain processing, the GIC allows customers from the food and animal nutrition industries to test new methods and technologies to improve product quality and processing efficiency. The facility, which covers 2,000 square meters, integrates advanced equipment and Bühler’s expertise in grain technology, supporting collaboration between Bühler and its clients.
“The GIC is the latest addition to Bühler’s network of Application & Training Centers,” explained Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group. “It allows us to provide flexible and adaptable solutions that address the evolving challenges of the industry.”
Addressing Industry Challenges and Fostering Innovation
With fluctuating grain supply chains, shifts in nutritional needs, and heightened pricing pressures, the milling industry is facing complex challenges. Bühler’s GIC aims to help address these through high-tech resources that enable customers to innovate across the value chain. The facility allows trials in cleaning, grinding, sifting, protein shifting, and other processes essential to grain and pulse processing. These capabilities are intended to help clients meet demand for both food and feed products while adapting to new trends and regulatory demands.
“GIC offers an environment where customers can develop tailored processes and observe Bühler’s equipment capabilities,” said Stefan Birrer, Head of Business Area Milling Solutions at Bühler. The GIC’s setup allows testing with various raw materials, including ancient grains and pulses, which play a critical role in enhancing food security.
Supporting Sustainable Practices and Resource Efficiency
Alongside product development, Bühler’s GIC supports sustainable resource management. The facility’s side streams, including wheat bran and rice husks, are redirected to Bühler’s Energy Recovery Center, providing heating for the company’s offices in Uzwil. Customers can explore the potential of reducing waste and energy costs through similar energy recovery approaches, an effort that aligns with Bühler’s commitment to sustainable practices in the grain processing industry.
A Comprehensive Training Hub for the Industry
Adjacent to the GIC, the company is building a new structure to house its Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT), expanding its educational offerings. Set to open in January 2025, this facility will include classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, and workshops, providing resources for training and skill development. These programs support Bühler’s goal of helping clients and employees keep pace with a changing industry. In 2023 alone, Bühler’s training programs reached around 1,000 clients and 150 internal employees.
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