78 | nzdairy Value added ingredients milk processor’s next phase • from page 76 Guests at ofi’s inauguration Compliance overhead was another thing clearly stated during those discussions, and we created technology solutions to help them gather data. Some of that information can also be provided to our customers so they can see our farmers’ good farming practices. Within ofi there’s a very strong programme of sustainability and a desire within our customers to see what sits behind the food, be that water utilisation, greenhouse gasses and the farmers’ prosperity.” Being part of a large multinational organisation, ofi is involved in a diverse array of activities around the world, including almond orchards across Australia, though mainly Victoria. “A by-product is the almond hulls and husks, which have been used as dairy feed, so we are in the process of setting up a supply chain bringing the by-product to New Zealand, which is a great circular reuse story. It can also lend itself to putting a methane inhibitor called Agolin in it, to help improve greenhouse gas performance. At this stage, it’s just a trial that we’re running with our ofi farmers and we will look to expand that within our farmer base in the coming season.” A strong partnership within the South Waikato community, has led to the establishment of a fund to provide community support, overseen by a governance group that includes farmers-suppliers, members of the local Tokoroa community, and the OFI team. Currently employing around 55 staff, of which 80% of the plant’s workforce are drawn from the South Waikato area, Paul says well over half the team are skilled process operators charged with operating the facility’s automated and highly technical equipment. “Not all of the people we have recruited came from the dairy industry, and even the people with a dairy background are not necessarily powder people. So, there has been some growth there for our people. We have created positions where people with relatively modest dairy experience can get exposure to the industry and build a rewarding career. That has proven to be quite beneficial.” Looking to the immediate future Paul says the facility’s next phase will look at value-add ingredients. “We need to do more than whole milk powder, so the challenge for us is to look at value add ingredients. We’re primarily looking at those functional dairy protein ingredients in the next phase, and we are well advanced to get the final approval for that.” Part of the wider Olam Group, ofi brings together the categories of cocoa, coffee, nuts, spices and dairy, sourced from all over the world to deliver customised nutritious ingredients to its customers, including large multi-national businesses. RURAL SERVICES » Olam Food Ingredients: Tokoroa Processing Plant GEA is proud to have supported o i (Olam Food Ingredients) on their project to open their irst milk processing plant in New Zealand. As one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, GEA’s focus is set on developing world-leading machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components, and comprehensive services. GEA’s portfolio is aimed to enhance the sustainability and e iciency of production processes globally. Today, GEA’s ive business divisions are supported by more than 18,000 dedicated employees located in 62 countries. GEA customers bene it from global reach, extensive local presence, and from the depth and breadth of GEA’s processing knowledge and portfolio, underpinned by a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. In New Zealand, GEA are an established long-term partner to the dairy industry; having proudly delivered quality projects and solutions to New Zealand customers for over 40 years. “Since 2010 GEA have built and commissioned 13 of the 18 milk powder dryers in NZ, representing 82% (159T/hr) of the additional milk powder capacity installed in NZ” says GEA Project Manager Anvesh Patel. Through GEA’s Heating and Refrigeration Technologies (HRT) division, a range of heat pump and chiller solutions are available for Engineering for a better world with solutions for dairy processing customers worldwide. Within New Zealand, GEA recently supplied a heat recovery solution inclusive of two large industrial heat pumps delivering up to 7,000kW of thermal energy savings. The team at GEA New Zealand consists of over 90 employees who have been working closely together to deliver projects successfully over many years, sharing vast experience. GEA New Zealand’s full project team are experts in designing, building, and commissioning complete plants, with experience in both green ield and brown ield projects, including small projects. Across the North and South Island, GEA has full-service support teams available (consisting of more than 30 people) to provide support servicing and maintenance of a variety of equipment. Full servicing support is provided by GEA New Zealand for Westfalia separators, Soavi High Pressure Pump, Tuchenhagen Pumps and Valves, as well as PHE servicing. A wide range of critical spares are kept on hand. For the o i milk processing plant project, GEA New Zealand supplied a range of milk processing equipment. This range included equipment from drying and evaporating, through to storage and packaging. Local teams are also readily available to assist in ongoing maintenance and service support. To ind out more, visit www.gea.com/nz
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