GEA modernizes and digitalizes dairy plant in Crailsheim-Dinkelsbühl

Energy-efficient raw milk processing

“The technical modernization at the Crailsheim site represents the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream,” says Josef Vögele, Managing Director of Milchwerk Crailsheim. “Energy efficiency is our top priority when we think about the future of our dairy.” The heat treatment of raw milk, is immensely important for hygienic cheese production, but at the same time it requires a lot of energy if the technology and process integration are not perfectly designed. Vögele was convinced by the fact that key technology and components, such as skimmers, valves, and plate heat exchangers, come from GEA. The next step will see GEA co-operate with the project team of the Crailsheim dairy plant to develop a comprehensive energy and heat quantity concept for the entire plant, thereby unlocking significant CO₂ savings potential.

“In Crailsheim they face similar challenges to many other small and medium-sized dairies: Sustainability and digitalization are taking hold – and they can only be implemented by using efficient high-performance technologies and consistent process planning,” describes Steffen Rathmann, Managing Director of GEA TDS. “To tackle these issues, which are so omnipresent in the industry, we develop the process and technology design based on the specific conditions on site. It makes us proud to have the opportunity to set up the technical backbone for the future success of our customers like Milchwerk Crailsheim.”