German ingredients supplier Uelzena Group is expanding its existing spray-drying technology at its Uelzen site to include a new spray-drying plant. New commissioning activities at the new plant are expected in May 2022. 

“We will use the new spray tower for various contract drying projects of our customers,” Anja Brand, brand manager at Uelzena, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. “We will decide which of our spray towers is most suitable depending on the specific starting raw material and necessary drying processes.”

“Our contract drying portfolio includes vitamins and minerals, plant extracts, flavors and ingredients for food.”

The expansion has been part of the company’s plans since mid-2017 and detailed preparation of the construction project has been ongoing for more than a year, it reports. 

The groundwork and excavation began once the building permit was granted for the first section. The first foundations will be laid in January 2021.

Competitive milk payout as a strategic objective
Uelzena Group says it is motivated by the sustainable increase in the milk payout to secure the existence of milk producers.

This investment in the production facilities and increased diversification shall also help to continue achieving the good company results of recent years and to further expand. 

The new spray tower will be used to meet demand from the food processing industry, primarily for baby food manufacturers. All requirements for this sector concerning quality and product properties will be able to be fulfilled in future as a result of the increased capacity.

Focus on spray drying baby food components
“Depending on customer orders, we spray vitamins, vitamin mixes and minerals as functional components in different ratios with various carrier systems,” Brand details.

“Vitamins and minerals are used as additives in (functional) food and dietary supplements. They are often also an important component in baby and infant food.”

In the future, customer requirements will be even easier to implement thanks to the closed system of the new building. The concept also provides a direct connection to the new high-bay warehouse via an automatic conveyor line to further ensure product quality. 

At a height of 30 m, the new building will cover an area of 240 m2 and will use sustainable technology to optimize energy use and reduce emissions.

The Uelzena Group currently employs about 500 staff at its Uelzen site, including specialists in spray drying.

In Uelzena Group’s annual financial overview released last June, consolidated sales of €705 million (US$794 million) represented the company’s “highest turnover since its foundation.”