Swiss technology group Bühler has inaugurated its new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, seamlessly blending high-tech solutions with the company’s extensive expertise in food manufacturing.
The GIC aims to “empower” customers from the food and animal nutrition industries by fostering innovation and enhancing their processes. Furthermore, customers and partners can leverage the resources available at 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,” remarks Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group. “We cover the entire spectrum of production, from various raw materials to a broad array of finished products. As a result, we provide our customers with exceptional flexibility and choices they need to tackle increasing challenges while revolutionizing their markets.”
According to Bühler, the GIC features a fresh, modern milling technology facility designed to maintain flour quality with variable raw materials while improving production and energy efficiency. Moreover, it addresses important safety issues and helps attract and retain skilled professionals.
Spanning 2,000 square meters, this five-story facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including over 70 pieces of cutting-edge equipment from Bühler and its partners.
The GIC is outfitted with the latest solutions and technologies for processing grains and pulses. Customers can perform tests on food and animal feed while developing innovative processes and solutions in areas such as cleaning, optical sorting, grinding, sifting, mixing, and protein shifting—a mechanical method that increases protein concentration in plant-based raw materials. Additionally, they can explore hygienisation, pelleting, and the dehulling, peeling, and pearling of grains and pulses.
“The GIC offers an unparalleled environment where customers can develop tailored processes and directly witness the extensive capabilities of Bühler’s diverse portfolio,” states Stefan Birrer, head of the business area milling solutions at Bühler. “The GIC serves not just as a facility but as a symbol of our commitment to helping customers excel in an ever-evolving industry.”
Food trials at the GIC encompass various raw materials, including cereals, herbs, spices, and pulses. The center possesses the technology and expertise to conduct trials on local and ancient grains. Utilizing its vast processing knowledge, the GIC also provides testing for other commodities such as coffee, nuts, and insects. Additionally, the Application & Training Center serves non-food bulk solids, such as plastics and absorbers.
For feed trials, the GIC has production capacities of up to five tonnes per hour, allowing for comprehensive testing of the entire production line or specific 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 varying process conditions,” explains Lothar Driller, department manager Feed Application Center and Trainings at Bühler.
The side streams generated by the GIC—such as wheat bran, rice husks, corn husk, pea hulls, and screenings from the cleaning process—will feed Bühler’s Energy Recovery Center. This center provides heating for Bühler offices in Uzwil while allowing customers to explore the potential of utilizing side streams for energy recovery, ultimately reducing their carbon footprint and energy costs.
Additionally, the modernisation project includes the establishment of Bühler’s Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT), which will be housed in a newly constructed facility strategically located next to the GIC to foster increased synergies. This new training facility is set to become operational by January 2025.