Bühler launches state-of-the-art grain innovation center in Switzerland

SWITZERLAND – Bühler, the Swiss technology giant, has unveiled its pioneering Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, a cutting-edge application center that pushes the frontiers of grain processing.

This advanced facility, commissioned on October 28, aims to enable customers in the food and animal nutrition industries to streamline their processes, keep pace with market demands, and maintain a competitive edge.

By integrating the latest technology and fostering collaborative innovation, the GIC stands as a flagship addition to Bühler’s network of Application & Training Centers (ATCs) in Uzwil.

“The Grain Innovation Center is the newest expansion of Bühler’s ATC network, covering everything from raw materials to diverse finished products,” remarked Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler.

“We are providing our customers with the flexibility they need to address industry challenges and innovate, helping them revolutionize their markets,” he added.

The facility opens amid a transformative era for the global milling industry. Increasing variability in raw material quality, the need for energy efficiency, heightened safety standards, and pressures from both economic and consumer demands are reshaping the landscape.

With these factors in mind, Bühler designed the GIC to help customers leverage advancements in automation, IoT, data analytics, and sustainable practices.

A hub for high-tech experimentation

Spanning 2,000 square meters and boasting five stories, the GIC is equipped with over 70 high-tech pieces of equipment.

This sophisticated “playground” allows customers to test food and feed applications, refine processes, and explore solutions in areas such as grain cleaning, optical sorting, grinding, protein shifting, and hygienization.

Feed trials with capacities up to 5 tonnes per hour can be conducted, ensuring comprehensive process data across production stages. The GIC also supports trials with diverse raw materials, including cereals, herbs, spices, and ancient grains, critical for bolstering food security globally.

Beyond food applications, the GIC’s ATC hub includes facilities for non-food bulk materials, such as plastics and absorbers, making it a versatile center for a wide range of industries.

Bühler also reinforces environmental sustainability through its Energy Recovery Center, which repurposes side streams like wheat bran and rice husks to heat Bühler offices, reducing waste and energy costs for both Bühler and its customers.

A holistic innovation ecosystem

The GIC forms a key part of Bühler’s Uzwil-based ATC hub, which also includes the Flavor Creation Center, Food Creation Center, Protein Application Center, and other facilities supporting the entire farm-to-fork value chain.

Rudolf Hofer, Head of the Grain Innovation Center, emphasizes that “our business covers the entire protein value chain.

“Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive material flow management, we’ve created a unique innovation ecosystem,” Hofer noted.

Bühler’s modernization extends to training with the new Milling Academy and Swiss Institute of Feed Technology, strategically placed near the GIC.

The facility will feature classrooms, labs, meeting rooms, and workshops designed to meet the educational needs of an evolving industry.

In 2023 alone, Bühler trained 1,000 customers and 150 employees through over 120 courses. The new structure, set to open in January 2025, will further support Bühler’s mission to upskill talent in grain processing, ensuring an adaptable and proficient workforce.

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