Powder dryer installed at Fonterra

GEA has installed a high performance spray dryer at Fonterra’s new milk powder plant in Lichfield, New Zealand. With the capacity of 30 tons of milk powder per hour, it can process nearly 4.4 million litres of milk per day. This volume corresponds to 165 truckloads.  On 5 September, Fonterra started the production process, which is now being gradually expanded to round the clock operation.

Robert Spurway, chief operating officer at Fonterra, says, “Premium milk powder is a valuable product for us. The capacity the new Lichfield plant takes the pressure off during the peak of the season, meaning we have more freedom to prioritise milk into higher returning products.”

Fonterra will export the premium milk powder from Lichfield to as many as 20 markets, including the Middle East, China and South East Asia. The official opening of the milk processing plant in Lichfield is scheduled for December 2016.