Chr. Hansen Expands Culture Production in Germany
The fermentation line and the laboratories have already been upgraded, signaling the completion of a project called “Upgrade of downstream.” This ensures better utilization capacity in fermentation bringing the Pohlheim site up on a world-class level.
31/08/06 Bacteria cultures supplier Chr. Hansen has inaugurated the expansion of the existing Pohlheim site in Germany, which produces lactic acid cultures that are used in the meat and animal health industries. The new facilities will comprise state-of-the-art equipment capable of supporting future market growth in both areas.
“Increasing quality demands and production volumes at our customers are requiring highest hygienic and quality standards at the ingredient suppliers end. In order to reach our ambitious goals and provide our customers with innovative and most optimal solutions, it is necessary to keep upgrading and adjusting our facilities on a continuous basis,” says Thomas Reiner, Country Manager for Germany.
The global market for meat cultures is rapidly expanding and more customers mean higher demands and, thus, a need for increased production capacity, the company said.
State-of-the-art freeze drier
The fermentation line and the laboratories have already been upgraded, signaling the completion of a project called “Upgrade of downstream.” This ensures better utilization capacity in fermentation bringing the Pohlheim site up on a world-class level.
Among the latest initiatives is the expansion of the drying and packaging facilities that includes, among other things, the installation of a new freeze drier.
“Our new freeze drier plant is a state-of-the-art facility. It not only serves to optimize the drying process, it also allows adjusting the process to the requirement of each strain we are producing, to the individual need. The new drying facility is designed for easy cleaning, user friendliness to ensure, that we get maximum safety,” explains Helmut Scheibler, plant manager of the Pohlheim site.
Also a part of the Animal Health & Nutrition production will now be based out of Pohlheim. The production of silage inoculants has moved from North America to Pohlheim in order to focus resources and be closer to the growing number of European customers.
Streamlining the resources
The expansion at Polhheim also serves the need to streamline the resources creating a centre of excellence within the area of meat culture production.
“We predict a double-digit annual market growth for meat cultures with a focus on new and improved cultures for the dried fermented meat segment and new solutions within the area of food safety,” says Eva Stenby, Global Marketing Manager.
“It is important that we at all times comply with the increasingly demanding purity specifications,” she continues. “In order to achieve this goal, it's imperative that we streamline our resources. With the upgrade of the Pohlheim facilities we will obtain a hotspot where know-how and the best-in-class technology converge.”
A considerable part of the culture production for the Animal Health and Nutrition segment will now also be based in Pohlheim.
