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Bühler Group has inaugurated a new Milling Academy at its headquarters, a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance training for food and feed millers. Spanning 1,800 square metres, the academy aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of the milling industry, which faces significant challenges including climate change, workforce shortages and rising food safety standards.

The milling sector plays a crucial role in global food security, yet it is under increasing pressure to improve efficiency and sustainability. As technological advancements reshape the industry, the demand for a well-trained workforce has never been more pressing. The Milling Academy seeks to bridge this skills gap by providing advanced, hands-on training that incorporates the latest technologies and methodologies.

Stefan Birrer, head of business area milling solutions at Bühler, noted the academy's role in empowering future milling professionals: “With the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy, we are ensuring customers can meet evolving industry demands and drive continuous improvement throughout the food and feed sectors”.

The Milling Academy features three modern classrooms, interactive learning spaces and direct access to Bühler’s Grain Innovation Center, allowing participants to gain practical insights into the milling process from raw material intake to final packaging. The facility is designed to optimise learning outcomes, incorporating advanced digital tools and two specialised laboratories for analytical and electronics training.

Dario Grossmann, head of the Ailling Academy, hlighlighted the facility’s focus on interactive learning: “Participants tell us that with the Milling Academy, we’ve reached an entirely new level of quality”. The academy offers over 100 courses annually, catering to diverse roles within the milling industry, including machine operators, plant managers and maintenance engineers.

Early feedback from participants underscores the academy's effectiveness in fostering a conducive learning environment. Oliver Efrain Romero Lucero, continuous improvement manager at CMI Alimentos in Guatemala, praised the academy's infrastructure, highlighting the immersive training experience facilitated by its design and proximity to research centres. Similarly, Jan Tuborg Pedersen, team leader at Valsemøllen in Denmark, noted the benefits of the academy’s modern facilities and direct connection to Bühler’s innovation resources.

Bühler’s commitment to education extends beyond its Uzwil facility. The Milling Academy collaborates with institutions such as Kansas State University and operates training mills in Wuxi, China, and Changzhou, China. Additionally, Bühler’s African Milling School in Nairobi has been serving millers across Africa and the Middle East since 2015.

The academy’s integration with Bühler’s global network of research and training centres enhances its offerings. Participants can engage with the Grain Innovation Center, where they can test machinery and explore advanced grain processing technologies. This collaboration with local and international research institutions supports market-driven innovation in sustainable food production.

Bühler’s educational initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainability within the food system. By investing in the training of the next generation of millers, Bühler aims to enhance the industry's resilience and competitiveness. Birrer said: “We continuously invest in strengthening our global education network to equip the next generation of millers with the skills they need to succeed”.