Looking to the future, ANDRITZ envisions a landscape where innovation is coupled with sustainability and efficiency. ANDRITZ’s advanced automation and digitalization solutions are designed to optimize processes, increase operational efficiency, and minimize downtime.
Industry Director Animal Feed
Andritz
The feed and biofuel industry, while long-established, continues to face challenges due to volatile raw material costs and the complexities of global supply chains. Additionally, the shift towards sustainable energy alternatives has introduced new layers of difficulty. In response to these challenges, ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel has been at the forefront, developing innovative technologies that not only streamline operations but also maintain high standards of quality and safety. Marcel Franitza, Industry Director Animal Feed at ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel, elaborates on these advancements.
A LEGACY OF 180 YEARS OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
ANDRITZ has a rich history spanning over 180 years, consistently evolving to meet the changing needs of the industry and its customers. “Our journey began with the design of machinery focused on clean operations and precise control, which are essential for safe, high-quality production,” Franitza recalls. “Over time, we recognized that to better support our customers, we needed to evolve from a machinery supplier to a partner offering comprehensive solutions and close collaboration.” This realization led to the development of ANDRITZ Complete Plant Solutions.
“The benefits of choosing ANDRITZ Complete Plant Solutions are significant. We simplify the entire plant lifecycle, reducing complexity and enhancing reliability. Moreover, our innovative designs and technologies boost operational efficiency and lower total ownership costs,” Marcel Franitza points out. “This streamlined approach to project coordination enhances the customer experience by providing a single point of contact for their feed operations.”
COLLABORATION AS A CORE STRATEGY
At the heart of ANDRITZ’s approach is collaboration, working closely with customers to develop solutions that meet their specific needs and objectives. “We engage in deep conversations with our customers, thoroughly understanding their requirements before crafting the most suitable solutions,” Franitza explains. “This method ensures that our solutions are perfectly aligned with the customer’s operational realities and strategic goals.”
ANDRITZ also addresses the unique challenges of different regions by offering customized solutions supported by a global network and local expertise. “A standardized approach doesn’t work in our industry. We tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs and conditions of each project, ensuring alignment with regional demands,” Franitza notes. “For example, last year we introduced an engineering approach tailored for regions with limited resources through our Modular Plant Solutions.”
“Our modular plant solutions provide added flexibility and value, especially for businesses entering new markets. The focus is on practical benefits during the construction phase. By reducing crane time from 90 days to just 7 days, modular plants represent a significant improvement in efficiency and cost savings for our customers, all while ensuring operational excellence across the value chain,” Marcel Franitza adds. “This is a clear example of how smart engineering can deliver real-world advantages by accelerating operational setup.”
DRIVING INNOVATION WITH AUTOMATION & DIGITALIZATION
ANDRITZ is dedicated to future-proofing its solutions by integrating scalable technologies and ensuring compliance with upcoming industry standards. In a revolutionary move, the company has embraced Automation & Digitalization (AD) technologies.
“ANDRITZ’s advanced automation and digitalization solutions are designed to optimize processes, increase operational efficiency, and minimize downtime. How do we achieve this? Automation and digitalization function like the muscles and brain of the human body, performing essential tasks but requiring intelligent guidance to be effective,” Franitza explains, emphasizing the importance of smart process integration. “By harnessing the power of data analytics and machine learning, our technologies can predict maintenance needs, optimize resource use, and support proactive decision-making. Our Metris Digital Platform, backed by strong cybersecurity measures, ensures that our customers remain ahead in terms of operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility. Integrating our AD solutions into core operations enables customers to unlock the potential of innovation, creating a smart ecosystem that is both resilient and adaptable to changing market conditions.”
ANDRITZ’S VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT OPERATIONS
“By combining our complete plant solutions with our AD technology, we are not only talking about future-proofing businesses but also providing customers with tools to transform their current operations. This synergy is crucial to our innovative edge—it’s where expertise and a passion for innovation meet technology,” says Marcel Franitza.
Looking to the future, ANDRITZ envisions a landscape where innovation is coupled with sustainability and efficiency. The company aims to pave the way for fully autonomous feed plants by 2027, driven by continuous investments in automation and digitalization, which are proving to be transformative in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability.
The positive impact of ANDRITZ’s Automation & Digitalization solutions is already evident, with customers experiencing significant reductions in specific energy consumption, ranging from 3% to as much as 17%. These energy savings directly contribute to customers’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Beyond energy efficiency, ANDRITZ’s innovative solutions are designed to proactively identify potential risks to operational assets, thereby safeguarding their integrity. This preventative approach is key to minimizing production disruptions and maintaining continuous, efficient operations. “By enhancing sustainability through reduced energy consumption and optimizing the use of raw materials, our customers can achieve higher yields and realize significant operational benefits,” Franitza explains.
In conclusion, Marcel Franitza emphasizes, “Choosing ANDRITZ is more than just a decision—it’s a commitment to strengthening the core of your business with a partner known for its resilience and long-standing excellence. It’s about continuously moving forward and never standing still.”
