by Marcel Franitza, Industry Director Animal Feed, Andritz Feed & Biofuel, Switzerland
Despite the well-established nature of the feed and biofuel industry, it faces ongoing challenges due to fluctuating raw material costs and the complexities inherent in its global supply chains. Recent shifts towards sustainable energy alternatives have introduced additional complexities and challenges. In response, Andritz has been pioneering innovative technologies that not only streamline operations but also rigorously uphold quality and safety standards.
180 years pushing the industry forward
With a solid history stretching over 180 years, Andritz has been consistently adapting to meet the evolving needs of the industry and customers. “From the ground up, we started by designing machinery that prioritises clean operations and precise control— the backbone of safe, high-quality production in our industry,” Marcel begins. “Our history is one of continuous refinement, and then we realized that to better serve our customers, we needed to go beyond being a machinery supplier to becoming a partner that provides holistic solutions and close support.” The result was Andritz Complete Plant Solutions.
“The advantages of opting for Andritz’s Complete Plant solutions are substantial. To start, we streamline the entire plant lifecycle, which reduces complexity and increases reliability. In addition, our innovative designs and technologies significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce the total cost of ownership,” Marcel notes. “This streamlined project coordination enriches the customer experience by providing a single point of contact for their feed operations.”
Collaboration is chief
Collaboration lies at the core of Andritz’s strategy, engaging closely with customers to develop solutions that precisely align with their unique requirements and goals. “We sit down with customers, listen to them attentively, fully grasp their needs, and only then craft the optimal solutions,” states Marcel. “This approach ensures that our solutions are perfectly tailored to the customer’s operational realities and strategic objectives.”
Moreover, the distinct challenges and demands of different regions are addressed with customised solutions supported by a global presence and regional know-how. “A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective in our industry. We adapt to the specific needs and conditions of each project, aligning customer needs with regional demands,” says Marcel. “For instance, last year we pioneered an engineering approach specifically designed for regions where resources are limited with the launch of our Modular Plant Solutions.”
“Our modular plant solutions offer added flexibility and value, especially advantageous for businesses venturing into new markets. It’s all about bringing practical benefits to the construction phase. By cutting down crane time from 90 days to just 7 days, modular plants represent a major leap in efficiency and cost savings for our customers, always backed by our assurance of operational excellence across the value chain,” adds Marcel. “This shows how smart engineering can lead to real-world gains in setting up operations faster.”
Driving innovation with automation and digitalisation
The company is committed to future-proofing its solutions by focusing on scalable technological integration and guaranteeing compliance with forthcoming industry standards and demands.
“Andritz’s advanced automation and digitalisation solutions are designed to streamline processes, enhance operational efficiency, and minimise downtime. Now, how is this done? Automation and digitalisation act like the muscles and brain of the human body, performing essential tasks but requiring intelligent direction to be effective,” Marcel explains, highlighting the critical role of smart process integration. “By leveraging the power of data analytics and machine learning, our technologies can predict maintenance needs, optimise resource allocation, and facilitate proactive decision-making. Our Metris digital platform, underpinned by robust cybersecurity measures, ensures that our customers stay ahead of the curve, not just in terms of operational efficiency but also in ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility. The integration of our AD solutions into the core operations of businesses allows customers to harness the potential of innovation, thereby creating a smart ecosystem that is both resilient and adaptable to dynamic market conditions.”
Andritz’s vision for sustainable, efficient operations
“When we pair our complete plant solutions with our AD technology, we’re not just talking about future-proofing businesses, but also providing customers with tools that transform how they implement and manage their operations right now. This synergy is key to our innovative edge—it’s where expertise and drive for innovation meet technology,” says Marcel.
As we discuss what lies ahead, Andritz is not only envisioning a future of innovation but also one where sustainability and efficiency are paramount. The goal is to pave the way for fully autonomous feed plants by 2027. This journey is underpinned by continuous investments in automation and digitalization, which are proving to be game changers in operational efficiency and sustainability.
The impact of Andritz Automation & Digitalisation solutions is evident in the tangible benefits they have already delivered to various industries. “Our customers have experienced significant reductions in specific energy consumption, with savings ranging from three percent to an impressive 17 percent. These energy savings directly contribute to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives of our customers.”
Beyond energy savings, Andritz’s innovative solutions are designed to proactively identify potential risks to assets within operations, safeguarding their integrity. This preventative approach is crucial in minimizing production disruptions, maintaining continuous and efficient operation. “By enhancing sustainability through reduced energy consumption and optimizing raw material utilization, our customers can achieve enhanced yields and realize substantial operational benefits,” explains Marcel. To conclude, he reinforces, “Selecting Andritz is not just a choice—it’s a step towards fortifying the heart of your business with a partner renowned for resilience and a legacy of excellence. It’s choosing to always advance. To never stand still.”
Published in the May 2024 issue of Milling & Grain
