ALECTIA consulted Arla Foods Ingredients on implementing new modern whey protein plant in Denmark Protein

2-7-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — ALECTIA has helped Arla Foods Ingredients implement one of Europe’s largest whey protein plants at the existing plant Denmark Protein in Nr. Vium, Jutland. The new plant can process 4.5 bill. kg whey annually, nearly doubling Denmark Protein’s total production capacity. Hygiene, the environment, and working conditions have been in focus, and the plant has been implemented without unexpected delays or costs.

As consultant, ALECTIA has been responsible for design, planning, construction management and supervision through the whole project. The task has involved project management as well as architectural and engineering work covering buildings, installations and utility plants. ALECTIA has also been responsible for managing budget, time and quality. On February 1st, Denmark Protein’s new and modern protein plant was officially inaugurated – on time and at the expected cost.

The expansion involves a new drying tower which can dry whey protein equaling 2-2.5 bill. kg whey, a capacity increase of 80 %. Furthermore, new production facilities for filtering systems, production lines for future products and improved employee facilities have been implemented. The utility plants for cooling and water have been expanded, and the entire IT structure has been improved while the administration was moved.

Focus on quality and environment
“This important expansion gives us a modern plant with the highest hygiene standards and the lowest possible energy consumption,” Site Director Erik Vesløv explains. “We can now produce products of the highest quality, as the market demands.”

Denmark Protein’s new plant has been designed according to modern ISO standards. A clear classification of hygiene zones prevents product contamination, and improved facilities for cooling and water treatment reduces the environmental print. For instance, decontamination and recirculation reduce the total water consumption, and efficient UV treatment ensures that reused water can replace regular utility water.

Satisfying a rising international demand
Simultaneously with the new plant, improvements on the existing plant have been implemented. Denmark Protein can now satisfy a swiftly rising demand for specially produced whey protein, which is used to produce infant formula and energy drinks among other things. Currently, 95 % of Arla Foods Ingredients’ products are exported to the global market.

The implementation of the new plant proceeded without unexpected delays or costs, while the production continued in the other facilities. The current production is expected to be doubled before 2017.

More expansions to come
The whey protein plant is part of a larger expansion strategy in Arla Foods. In 2012, the implementation of a lactose plant worth 900 mill. DKK with an annual capacity of 85,000 ton started. According to plan, it will be finished by October 2014 and running at full capacity by 2016. ALECTIA is also adviser to Arla Foods on this project.

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ALECTIA consulted Arla Foods Ingredients on implementing new modern whey protein plant in Denmark Protein