Buhler Expands Extrusion Activities

As part of their expansion program of extrusion technology, Buhler takes over the activities of Millbank Technology (NZ) Ltd. in New Zealand. The term extrusion refers to screw-machinery based modular processes, enabling continuous processing and modification of materials. Extrusion is considered a future key technology especially in the food processing, animal feed manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. The Buhler Group, being heavily involved in food processing technology, understands therefore extrusion as an important growth area for their business.

Buhler is already a leading supplier of world-class twin-screw extrusion technology. By taking over the activities of Millbank, the Group is completing its range of products by adding the simpler and cost-effective single-screw machines. These are especially in high demand in the Latin American and South East Asian markets, where growth has resumed.

Millbank Technology (NZ) Ltd. is a family-owned company based in Auckland, New Zealand, which has built a reputation for efficient and reliable extrusion equipment especially in South Eastern Asia. In connection with the settlement of company owner successorship, Buhler took over all activities as of the start of September 2002, integrating them in its Extrusion Systems business unit. Up to now, Millbank equipment was marketed under the name of Miltenz. In future, Buhler will offer it to its global customers under the MillbankExtrusion product name. Since the target markets for this machinery are predominantly in South Eastern Asia and Latin America, equipment and parts will continue to be supplied from Auckland.

The merging of the two companies will allow customized and efficient solutions to be offered which cover a broad range of capacities and include everything from stand-alone machines to complete production systems. Buhler Extrusion Systems will take immediate charge of global sales, engineering, installation, start-up and customer service, with the existing Millbank sales and service organization being integrated to maximize the value to customers. In particular, Millbank’s and Buhler’s customers will benefit from the worldwide service and spare parts network.

The take-over of Millbank Technology’s activities and the licensing agreement concluded a little more than a year ago with Sanitarium Health Food in Australia highlight the significance of the Asia-Pacific countries for Buhler Extrusion Systems. Substantial growth is expected particularly in the aqua culture, extruded snack foods and food ingredients market segments. They play a preeminent role in the food supply, and extrusion technology is a key process in their manufacture.

Buhler is a global technology group and system partner for plant, equipment and process expertise in the fields of food processing, chemical engineering and die casting, with a global payroll of 6,500.