GEA Group, Düsseldorf, Germany, has built a complete infant formula processing plant for Yashili, one of the top three producers supplying the Chinese market. The new plant in Pokeno, 50km south of Auckland, was completed on time and on budget and has already started production.

 

With a production capacity of 50,000t/h, this is one of the largest infant formula plants ever built. Yashili started construction in September 2013 and GEA was chosen as the main process contractor because of its reputation in New Zealand for building dairy processing plants to the highest international standards. GEA’s scope of supply included all the key elements: from milk and ingredients reception, to powder production, and to final packing into 25kg bags. Milk is received at the Pokeno site and pre-treated. Ingredients are accurately added using high shear mixing under vacuum. Vegetable oils, dry dairy powders, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals can then be added directly to fresh milk. The resulting formulations are cooled in batches. The plant includes a number of highly innovative technologies designed to enhance product quality and consistency, reduce noise pollution, and minimise use of water and energy. www.gea.com 

 

 

The new Yashili plant in Pokeno, New Zealand