Buhler intends to improve operations to solve African agricultural problems

AFRICA – Buhler, a multinational supplier of milling equipment, through their MD Marco Sutter, has stated that its African subsidiary Buhler Southern Africa, will prioritize improving local supply chains in food processing and agribusiness, in 2025.

According to Sutter, the company has decided to focus on delivering sector-specific solutions that aim to provide solutions to local problems and at the same time enhance scalability and sustainability.

The company has noted that Africa is suitable for developing manufacturing hubs and resilient food systems due to its burgeoning youthful population.[MW3] 

The company has been key to enhancing sustainability in its operations and according to Stutter, they aim to reduce energy water and in their customers’ value chains by 50% by 2025

Buhler has admitted that 2024 was a tough year for the business climate due to elections, rising steel prices and poor access to foreign exchange.

According to Sutter, these challenges did not slow Buhler down as it focused on innovative and customer-oriented solutions.

“Buhler continues to spend 5% of its revenue on R&D a year thus supporting its mission of developing innovative technologies for the food and agro-allied industries.”

This therefore sets it apart from other players in the market through its efficiency and enhanced sustainability.

Francois Knoetze, Buhler’s Head of Manufacturing also noted that the company engaged in various upgrades last year.

These included installing First In First Out (FIFO) racking for better stock utilization, new compressors to enhance the energy efficiency of air production, and new welding machines.

Knoetze noted that the upgrades increase throughput thus helping to drive shorter lead times, and this provides the main benefits for Buhler’s clients and growth potential.

Sutter said that the company plans to engage in more community empowering activities, especially those geared towards training and skill development, such as collaborating with MathU and Global Learning Festival.

He continued to state that workshops and internships will help to nuture the future innovators as well as building on the success of their Student Career Day Expo.

Buhler has also engaged in other fronts in the past. Last year, the company helped to elevate the Little Star Day Care Nursery School. This was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility

Buhler has also prioritized the welfare of its employeesby providing them with new amenities such as a nurse’s room, entertainment centers and safer parking spaces.

In addition to this, Buhler also began initiatives like the Student Career Day Expo and the Heritage Day celebrations which have fostered a strong sense of community within and outside Buhler.