Cimbria has completed a state-of-the-art storage and processing plant in Debre Birhan, Ethiopia, for Boortmalt. Extensive knowledge of the Ethiopian market conditions and subtropical climate, combined with decades of expertise in innovative equipment for the grain industry, were crucial in developing this modern facility.
With a global production capacity of three million tons and 27 malting plants across five continents, Boortmalt is one of the largest malting companies worldwide. After years of market research and assessing the quality of locally grown barley, Boortmalt approached Cimbria to build a new storage and processing facility. This project marks Boortmalt’s entry into Africa, opening new opportunities to supply African brewers, distillers, and food producers.
The storage facility has a capacity of 40,000 tons, while the plant can process up to 60,000 tons of malt annually, potentially doubling the capacity, sourcing the malt locally, boosting the livelihood of 20,000 local farmers, with the expectation of eventually expanding the supply chain to 50,000 farmers. The plant itself employs approximately 150 people.
Plant Design
The plant includes silo bins and a custom conveying system. Gentle Delta Pre-Cleaners with dust filter systems remove impurities from the barley in a closed system, while barley dryers reduce the moisture content to achieve a high quality of grain germination - a critical factor in the malting process.
A control and automation system was installed for optimized efficiency. This system provides comprehensive oversight and control of barley inventory input and output, cleaning process, and temperature and moisture regulation in the silo structure.
Continuing a Long-Term Customer Relationship
Cimbria is committed to the long-term development of turnkey projects by educating local farmers and suppliers across the African continent. Cimbria’s previous projects in Ethiopia include coffee processing plants and seed plants. While this is our first malting plant in Ethiopia, constructed by Cimbria, it is not the first project for a long-time customer of Boortmalt.
Previously, Cimbria delivered two successful turnkey malting projects in England and Ireland, laying the foundation for a close relationship with the Dutch company.
“We are pleased to have delivered yet another successful turnkey project for our customer Boortmalt, who entrusted us with the complicated task of building a substantial storage and processing plant in Debre Birhan. Cimbria has built around 50 similar facilities in Ethiopia, and our expertise in turnkey projects allowed us to take into account the challenges in terms of infrastructure, electricity, and labor," said Thomas Bang Mohr, Cimbria Sales Director.
