“The Agrokoncerno Group launches a unique project. Its subsidiary Agrokoncernas GDP has signed a contract with the construction company Panevėžio statybos trestas (PST), which will be responsible for the technical design and implementation of one of Europe’s most modern deep grain processing plants.
The Agrokoncernas GDP deep grain processing plant worth more than 300 million will be built in Kuršėnai, on the site of the former Pavenčių sugar factory. It is expected to process around 500,000 tonnes of cereals per year. They will be used to produce two main products, starch and gluten, as well as by-products such as bioethanol, biogas and biofertiliser.
According to Imanto Motiejūnas, Deputy Director of Agrokoncernas GDP, the signatures also confirmed cooperation agreements with three key technology suppliers, who will be responsible for the implementation of the technical solutions for the main process, the processing of cereals.
Swiss company Bühler, one of the most renowned manufacturers of factory equipment, will supply grain receiving and milling equipment. The German company Flottweg will be responsible for the wet process – the separation of starch and gluten. SiccaDania, an international company, will install starch and gluten dryers at the plant.
According to I. Motiejūnas, the signing of these contracts marks the start of a significant phase – the preparation of the technical design, which, once completed and approved, will lead to the start of construction work on the plant.
“The first live meeting with the technical designers of the PST and the equipment suppliers took place. Its purpose was to discuss the design of the plant, allocate responsibilities and establish communication arrangements. The plant will be the first of its kind in Europe, so we are all aware that there will be many challenges and issues that we will have to work together to find solutions to,” he said.
After the meeting, PST’s Managing Director Tomas Stukas confirmed that the company’s team is thoroughly familiar with the customer’s needs and is ready to commence the technical design of the plant.
“It’s not every day that you get the chance to contribute to unique projects like this. Not only will it have a positive impact on the local economy and help Lithuania achieve its sustainability goals, it will also be an interesting challenge for us as a company. We thank the client for the trust shown and will do our best to make the cooperation a success,” says T. Stukas.
We are also in the process of coordinating contracts and agreements with suppliers of bioprocess technology for the plant. In addition to starch and gluten, the plant will produce bioethanol, biogas and biofertiliser. Contracts with suppliers of the equipment needed for these processes are expected to be signed shortly.
The plant’s technical design process includes a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the aim of which is to ensure that the plant’s processes are as safe and environmentally and human friendly as possible.
In terms of scale and added value, this project is of national importance. Preliminary estimates suggest that the plant could generate an annual turnover of around €300 million and a wage bill of around €10 million.
