AVEBE Operations - Ter Apelkanaal
"Ain pronkjewail" is what Groningers say when they find something impressive. And impressive it certainly is, AVEBE's new VMF. "VMF, what does that mean?"
On 10 April last, a group of 23 interested engineers reported to the porter at AVEBE in Ter Apelkanaal. The company, which produces and sells derivatives, has safety high on its agenda. Engineer or not, one does not just enter AVEBE's premises. First, you have to identify yourself to the gatekeeper and then watch a safety instruction film. Only when the questionnaire has been completed with a satisfactory score will one be allowed to enter the site. Once on the site in TAK (Ter Apelkanaal), a WWTP (waste water treatment plant) can be seen in addition to the AGV (automatic guided vehicles), the VMF (food factory), the AMF (potato starch factory).
The engineers are enthusiastically greeted in building 204 by Mr ing. P. de Vries, Operations Manager Derivatives, this afternoon's host. After an interesting company presentation on AVEBE, potato starch and derivatives, the group is provided with jackets, shoes, helmets and glasses. In full compliance with safety regulations, the rotating and under construction VMF can be entered. The new plant, which will produce high-quality derivatives from potato starch, is scheduled to become operational in August 2013. This factory can rightly be called AVEBE's "Ain Pronkjewail". In addition, the CCK (central control room) will be looked at. All production lines will gradually be controlled from this room.
By building the new VMF and centralising the control of the production lines, AVEBE is controlling and avoiding costs. In the coming years, AVEBE will focus strongly on improving processes and controlling costs through this 'lean six sigma' methodology. The aim is to substantially improve the performance of a process in all kinds of aspects such as output, lead time, quality and the amount of waste. This ultimately benefits the quality of potato starch and potato protein.
The abbreviations used in the presentation were brought to life by touring the factories. While enjoying a snack and a drink, there was extensive discussion about starch, derivative, the VMF, the AMF, the AGV and the WWTP. Thanks to AVEBE's efforts, 'potato starch and derivatives' is better understood, knowledge is enhanced and many a participant will look differently at paper, cardboard, soups, sauces, glue, yoghurt and confectionery...
Text: Ir. Mariska van Cronenberg
Description
Potato starch is a key ingredient in food products and an important source of energy for humans. Moreover, it is the third most important raw material for the paper and board industry. In addition, potato starch is an ingredient in many products that people around the world use every day, including soups and sauces, glue, yoghurt and confectionery, among others.
Since the cooperative was founded in 1919, AVEBE has been developing, producing and selling derivatives. The organisational unit AVEBE OPERATIONS is responsible for the internal chain serving the markets and comprises production, logistics, maintenance and purchasing. There are production sites in the Netherlands in Foxhol, Ter Apelkanaal and Gasselternijveen.
AVEBE's production site in Ter Apelkanaal is located on the north-east side of the village. During the company visit, insight will be given into the production of potato starch, potato starch specialities, fibres, protein and Protamylasse. We will also see part of the site and visit one of the factories. Besides a number of factories, the site has its own wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with a capacity of 400,000 pollution units (can process the amount of water of a city of 400,000 inhabitants). The campaign period runs from 1 August to mid-April.
Host is Mr ing. P. de Vries, Operations Manager Derivatives
15.00 - 15.30
reception by AVEBE
15.30 - 17.30 company presentation, site tour, visit derivatives plant(s) and explanation of interesting new innovative projects.
17.30 - 18.00 closing
A snack and drink will be offered by AVEBE.
Location
9563 TM TER APELKANAAL
Organiser
Northern Region
AVEBE Operations
Name and contact details for information
Ir. M. van Cronenberg | 06-51202681