World Grain - July 2022 - 40

FEATURE: INNOVATION TAKES CENTER STAGE AT VICTAM INTERNATIONAL
We have to think beyond the
machine. We are responsible for
what we do and what we install. Not
only Bühler, but as a feed industry.
Christian Hilber, head of product management and
marketing, business area value nutrition, Bühler
The fact that we were able to organize a trade exhibition
where people could meet each other in person
again was, of course, great. We are very satisfied with
the result. "
The next edition will be June 3-5, 2025, in Utrecht,
where VICTAM International will celebrate its 60th
anniversary.
Innovations
Muller Beltex displayed its belting products, buckets
and more at its booth. The Netherlands-based company
specializes in belts, buckets and bolts as well as solutions
for wear problems. Its branded polyurethane
product, Kryptane, can be used in tubes, bucket elevator
hats and more to reduce wear.
" That's what we do worldwide, deliver those things
to the end user and also to OEMs, " Keijzer said.
The company has a new splicing system that is lighter
than the original steel splicing system and also is
offering a new belt aligning system in North America.
" We are expanding our business, " Keijzer said.
Like other equipment suppliers, Muller Beltex is
navigating an uncertain landscape that includes high
shipping prices, reduced availability and inflation.
The company imports buckets from the United
States, typically at a cost of €5,000 to €6,000 per container.
Those costs have doubled to nearly €12,000 to
€13,000 per container.
" It takes much longer than normal, " Keijzer said.
" There are not enough drivers in the US and not enough
drivers in Rotterdam to unload the ships. We have customers
in Russia we cannot deliver to and customers in
Ukraine who are being bombed at the moment. "
Bühler, based in Uzwil, Switzerland, will discuss
rising prices early on in a new project or equipment
purchase, said Christian Hilber, head of product management
and marketing, business area value nutrition.
" We try to discuss these circumstances as early as
possible just to make them aware we can't change the
situation, " he said. " It's difficult to find ships, specifically
from China at the moment. There's not as many
ships available as before the pandemic. "
Bühler was highlighting its Granulex hammermill,
its latest innovation for the feed industry. It reduces
energy consumption by 10%, offers increased performance
and the hammer exchange is much faster.
" This is really a huge step forward, " Hilber said.
The company decided to showcase the hammermill
virtually, which is more sustainable than shipping the
Top: Muller Beltex displayed its belting products,
buckets and more at its booth at VICTAM.
Bottom: KAHL displayed multiple pieces of
equipment, including its new crushing roller mill
with individual drive.
40
July 2022 / World Grain / World-Grain.com
http://www.World-Grain.com
World Grain - July 2022

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