AAK Makes £10 Million Investment at UK Plant

26 June 2013 --- AAK, specialists in the development, production and application of edible oils and fats, has secured a £10 million investment to replace its ageing E3 deodoriser. The new E5 deodoriser, which will cost £8.5 million, will play a key role in the processing of palm and rapeseed oil at its North Refinery in Hull.

The deodoriser will remove oxidation, pigment and fatty acids as well as taste and odour, giving oil a neutral taste and a bright colour that is associated with top quality refined oil. The installation of the new deodoriser is part of a larger 2-year investment programme, according to Alec Paterson, Operations Director at AAK:

“This significant investment will allow us to produce more accurate oil blends, in smaller batches with reduced waste. It will also allow easier changeovers between oil types.”

“This gives us the capacity to deliver semi-specialty and value-added solutions for our customers, strengthening AAK’s position as a world-leader in edible oils and fats.”

Weighing over 100 tonnes, the deodoriser is currently being manufactured in Spain, and will be transported to Hull in two sections, arriving at AAK in July this year. When it is fully constructed it will measure 43 metres high, and will require a partial rebuild of AAK’s North Refinery to accommodate it.

The roof of the building will have to be removed prior to installation and the two sections craned into place. When the sections are joined together, the new deodoriser will be significantly higher than the current building. Once installed, the structure will be built up around the deodoriser and the roof replaced.

The first phase of preparation work is nearly completed. This includes the removal of redundant hydrogenation equipment and installation of new soap stock tanks. The second phase, due to start soon, will involve installing the necessary steelwork, blending tanks and a new concrete floor to accommodate the deodoriser.

Production will continue in Hull during this process, with the new E5 deodoriser expected to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2014.

AAK UK specialises in the production of edible oils and fats for the food manufacturing and baking industries, as well as for foodservice and retail.

AAK UK, part of the AarhusKarlshamn Group, is based in Hull and operates one of the UK’s largest edible oils refineries. Its products are sold throughout the UK and in over 35 countries.