Bühler has launched a state-of-the-art Milling Academy, an expansive 1,800-square-metre training facility dedicated to food and feed millers, located at its Swiss headquarters.
This facility merges decades of industry expertise with the latest technology and teaching methods to address the evolving needs of the food manufacturing sector. Participants in courses gain practical insights into crucial industry areas through direct access to cutting-edge research and training facilities.
“With the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy, we are empowering the next generation of milling professionals by offering advanced training, hands-on experience, and access to the latest technologies,” states Stefan Birrer, head of business area milling solutions at Bühler Group. “This ensures customers can meet evolving industry demands and drive continuous improvement throughout the food and feed sectors.”
The Milling Academy serves as a pivotal hub where industry professionals can deepen their knowledge, broaden their networks, and foster innovation. The facility grants participants direct access to Bühler’s Grain Innovation Center, multiple research and training centres, and the CUBIC innovation campus. Participants gain hands-on experience across all facets of the milling process, from raw material intake to final packaging.
“The construction of the Milling Academy allowed us to design and implement a training environment tailored to our customers’ needs. We also seized the chance to incorporate more interactive learning opportunities directly at the machines,” explains Dario Grossmann, head of the Milling Academy. “Participants tell us that the Milling Academy has elevated training quality to a new level. We are witnessing a surge in interest from our customers, and we are fully prepared to meet this growing demand by providing top-tier training for millers in the future.”
The facility features three modern classrooms, various breakout spaces for self-learning and group activities, and an arena located within the machine park, offering diverse teaching environments. A welcoming coffee area encourages networking among participants from different courses, facilitating knowledge exchange. Practical, hands-on training occurs on both the latest milling machines and older models, ensuring tailored instruction specific to the equipment utilized in their plants.
Moreover, the Milling Academy integrates advanced digital learning tools and includes two specialized laboratories: one for analytical training and another for electronics training and experimentation. A fully automated school mill processing 24 tonnes per day enhances industrial-scale training capabilities. Additionally, the facility houses the School of Feed Technology (SFT), significantly expanding resources for both food and feed milling professionals.
The Milling Academy, in conjunction with the School of Feed Technology, offers over 100 courses annually to more than 750 trainees in seven languages. Furthermore, Bühler’s Milling Academy personnel conduct customized training either in Uzwil or directly at customer sites worldwide.
Early participants have positively evaluated the Academy’s design and approach. “The infrastructure and concept are outstanding. The welcoming atmosphere allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of milling during the training. The instructors are highly skilled, and training materials are exceptionally well prepared. Being located near all of the research and training centers enhances your understanding of the company’s diverse operations and interconnected processes,” remarks Oliver Efrain Romero Lucero, continuous improvement manager at CMI Alimentos in Guatemala.
Jan Tuborg Pedersen, team leader at Valsemøllen in Denmark, also expressed satisfaction with his experience: “I really like that it’s bright and modern, with large classrooms and big screens. For me, one of the most important innovations is that there’s now a showroom with all the machines we’re learning about, and you run into other students in the hallways. The direct connection between the Milling Academy and the Grain Innovation Center is incredibly useful; it gives you the freedom to move around, meet people, and ask questions wherever you go.”
