Tradition and technology in harmony: The new STAMAG malthouse
Two years of construction, more than 200,000 working hours and an investment volume in the mid double-digit million range — sounds like a pioneering project! This is what the new malthouse of STAMAG in Vienna represents, combining state-of-the-art technology, increased production efficiency and sustainable processes.
Malting tradition made in Austria
STAMAG Stadlauer Malzfabrik GesmbH supplies manufacturers of world-famous brands and large breweries as well as craft brewers with high-quality base and speciality malts. Based on an optimal mix of tradition, experience and modern technology, our subsidiary possesses exceptional expertise, which is what makes the high standard of its malt quality. Now the company, which was founded in 1884 and has been part of the IREKS Group since 1973, has taken a decisive step towards the future that once again emphasises the importance of the malt business.
The new malthouse replaces the labour-intensive old facilities with high cleaning effort from 1965. In order to keep the conveying routes short and efficient, the new building was erected in the immediate vicinity of the existing silo facilities. Construction work took just under two years from the start of demolition work to test operation of the new system.
Despite numerous challenges such as inflation-related cost increase and shortness of supply with some materials, the construction project was realised quickly thanks to the dedicated work of internal and external teams. “The intensity during the construction phase was correspondingly high while regular business had to continue. Therefore, a certain amount of tension released with the commissioning and what remains is the joy of having successfully completed this project,” summarises Technical Managing Director of STAMAG and project manager Dr Achim Hanninger.
The new malthouse offers significantly increased production capacity. While the old facilities enabled an annual production of just under 40,000 tonnes of malt, the new building is designed for around 65,000 tonnes per year. Thanks to the complex three-stage soaking house, a variety of barley qualities can be processed and the different customer requirements can be met in the best possible way.
Thinking sustainability right from the start
In addition to increased capacity and flexibility, sustainability played a major role in the concept. The new malthouse is equipped with drives of the highest available energy efficiency class. The energy-efficient motors have a significant impact, particularly in the case of large kiln-drying fans: Two motors, each with a rated output of 560 kW, run for more than 20 hours a day. The soaking house mentioned above enables highly efficient utilisation of the water used, which conserves valuable resources. In addition, a dry conveyor system was installed to transport the soaked material from the soaking containers to the germination containers, minimising water consumption. The kiln-drying section is designed in such a way that it can be converted to other energy sources at a later date.
This means that we are ideally prepared for future developments in the field of energy supply. “Following the successful commissioning of the new malthouse, we now have two state-of-the-art facilities in Vienna that meet all the current energy and hygiene requirements of our diverse stakeholders. Due to continuous maintenance and ongoing improvements, our systems in Graz also fulfil all requirements. In total, we have an annual production capacity of just over 200,000 tonnes of malt. With a forward-looking approach, we are continuing to work intensively on improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Mag Christian Haberl-Rhomberg, Managing Director of STAMAG for the malt division.
Overall, STAMAG is not only setting technological and technical production standards with the new malthouse, but is also impressively demonstrating how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. With increased production capacity, improved efficiency and a focus on sustainability, STAMAG is ideally equipped for the future and will continue to be a reliable partner for customers and an important player in the malt business.
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