Alapala’s Similago II roller mill earns global recognition for sustainable design, performance
The award, conferred by the German Design Council on behalf of the German Federal Government, recognizes the roller mill’s contributions to sustainability in the grain milling industry
TURKEY – Alapala, a global supplier of food processing technology, has been awarded the German Innovation Award 2025 for its Similago II roller mill.
The award, conferred by the German Design Council on behalf of the German Federal Government, recognizes the roller mill’s innovative design, engineering quality, and contributions to sustainability in the grain milling industry.
The Similago II is the result of a partnership between Alapala’s in-house R&D team and Italdesign, an Italian design and engineering firm.
This collaboration brought together Alapala’s 70 years of milling expertise with Italdesign’s cross-industry design innovation to develop a system that improves performance, efficiency, and user experience in flour milling operations.
A key aspect of the Similago II’s design is its high-carbon steel chassis, which reduces vibration to ensure consistent operation during the high-capacity processing of cereals such as wheat, maize, and rye.
Its aerodynamic structure supports better heat dissipation, while the lubrication-free silent belt drive system offers cleaner, quieter, and safer operation. The machine also incorporates removable polycarbonate inspection panels and stainless steel components, enabling faster cleaning and compliance with food safety standards.
The German Innovation Award jury praised the Similago II for its “precision finish” and alignment with modern food industry hygiene requirements.
Alapala has also focused on reducing downtime and improving serviceability with the inclusion of its EZ Roll Pack Change System, which enables roller changes in just 20 minutes using standard tools, eliminating the need for lifting equipment.
In addition, the Similago II features a 7-inch touchscreen interface that allows operators to monitor feed rates, motor loads, energy use, and alarms in real time. Designed with sustainability in mind, the system reduces power consumption by up to 15% and operates at a noise level of 75 decibels, supporting a safer and more energy-efficient work environment.
This recognition adds to the machine’s growing list of international accolades, including previous wins at the RedDot, Good Design, and Grapas Awards. Alapala recently marked the production of its 3,000th Similago II unit, with the roller mill now operating in more than 1,000 milling plants across 120 countries, serving flour, semolina, and maize processing markets.
Commenting on the achievement, Görkem Alapala, CEO of Alapala Holding, said the award affirms the company’s strategic direction.
“This award validates our commitment to merging Alapala engineering with global innovation. The Similago II isn’t just machinery, it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable food processing. With digital integration and unparalleled reliability, we’re empowering mills to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.”
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