Heilbronn, 29.01.2025
LOCATION & PRODUCTION PLANT
Why is the demo production plant in Heilbronn so special, Björn?
Every “first” is always an exciting milestone, and this plant is full of them! It’s the #FOAK (first of a kind) in Germany, possibly in Europe or even worldwide. It’s also ProteinDistillery’s first highly automated production plant, and on a personal note, it’s my first engineering project of this scale and complexity. These “firsts” make the project truly extraordinary – perhaps calling it special is an understatement!
Why was Heilbronn chosen as the location for the demo production plant?
The #KnorrCampus provided us with an amazing opportunity to collaborate with an established industry leader like Unilever/Knorr, while fostering innovation as a forward-thinking start-up. Having Knorr as a neighbor has been a game-changer; their infrastructure and expertise are invaluable. In fact, we are the first company to establish an Innovation Campus within Unilever buildings worldwide, setting a new benchmark for future collaborations.
TASKS & CHALLENGES
What were the biggest challenges in organizing the hall and setting up the plant?
Time has been our biggest challenge. With a highly ambitious timeline, it has been crucial to ensure that every partner and team is aligned and understands the bigger picture. Keeping everyone on track while maintaining momentum has been a complex but rewarding task.
Who is involved in the project and how is collaboration managed?
Several teams and partners have come together for this project:
Process R&D: Led by Raphael and Tobias
Engineering: Supported by Ruland as our engineering partner and EPC contractor
Civil Works: Managed by local craftsmen working on the building
Production and Quality Management: Overseen by Tomas and his team to ensure the plant is commissioned safely
As the central point of contact, I ensure that all the necessary information flows seamlessly between these teams, keeping everyone connected and informed.
TECHNICAL & ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
How will the processes in the plant enhance the efficiency and quality of Prew:tein?
This nearly fully automated plant will transform raw yeast into Prew:tein in just a few hours – a process we cannot fully replicate in the lab. We’re confident that this setup will significantly enhance the product’s characteristics and overall quality.
What role do standards and certifications play in setting up the plant?
Our plant is designed to meet the latest food safety and quality standards. As soon as it’s commissioned, we’ll obtain the necessary certifications to demonstrate that Prew:tein is produced at the highest standards of excellence.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
What have you enjoyed most about this project so far?
I’ve loved working with such a diverse and talented group of people. The fast-paced nature of this project often led to last-minute meetings where critical decisions had to be made. Despite the challenges, these meetings were always filled with a friendly and collaborative atmosphere – and often, a good bit of laughter!
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
How do you see the role of the demo production plant in ProteinDistillery’s growth?
The demo production plant is a significant stepping stone toward larger-scale industrial production. Through the planning and execution of this project, we’ve gained invaluable insights that will help us streamline and optimize future scale-ups. This plant is just the beginning of an exciting journey for ProteinDistillery!
What’s Next?
We’re looking forward to sharing more updates about the incredible journey of our demo production plant and its role in shaping the future of sustainable, high-quality protein production. Stay tuned!