Bühler's Grain Innovation Center set to boost future foods

Bühler’s new Grain Innovation Center (GIC) in Uzwil, Switzerland, is nearing completion. The company’s former Grain Technology Center, constructed in 1951, is being completely rebuilt and has been designed to support the evolving market in the grain processing industry and to develop the foods of the future.

Suitable for the food and animal feed sectors, the 2000 m² multipurpose facility will be designed to allow users to conduct trials on new products and explore new processes and solutions. The users will also have full access to Bühler’s ecosystem of Application & Training Centers at the headquarters, covering the entire protein value chain.

Key issues that can be addressed using the facility include the use of local raw materials, increasing productivity and safety, and meeting requirements for new and healthier products.

“We are so excited to be nearing completion of this important new facility, which brings together Bühler’s rich history in milling with cutting-edge technology. By integrating the GIC into Bühler’s network of Application & Training Centers in Uzwil, customers benefit from an ideal set-up that enables them to turn challenges into opportunities,” said Christian Geser, Project Director Grains & Food at Bühler Group.

The construction of the five-storey facility started back in February 2023 and was completed in 12 months. Now, in March 2024, the project has entered its final phase and the installation of all equipment and systems has begun. Some of the equipment from the previous facility was refurbished for reuse in the new GIC.

The opening of the GIC is planned for 28 October 2024.

The modernisation project also includes Bühler’s Milling Academy and the Swiss Institute of Feed Technology (SFT), both of which will be housed in a new structure located next to the GIC. This building is slated to be operational by January 2025.

Image caption: Bühler’s new Grain Innovation Center in Uzwil is nearing completion. Image: Supplied