Everything about solids handling

Ecublens, Switzerland – On July 1, 2021 the Dec Group completed the acquisition of the Extract Technology business from US based Wabash National Corporation, a US listed company (NYSE: WNC). Extract Technology is a leading provider of containment and aseptic systems for the pharmaceutical, biotech, nuclear and chemical markets. The acquisition includes the Extract Technology businesses which is, headquartered in Huddersfield (UK), and Extract Americas (Formerly, Walker Barrier Systems), located in New Lisbon, Wisconsin (USA). Extract Technology has a successful track record developing innovative containment solutions for leading global clients. Coupled with the critical nature of the systems, Extract has developed significant longstanding customer relationships. The product offering is complemented by strong aftermarket services. The acquisition supports Dec’s strategic approach to complimentary technology acquisition, and specifically focuses on growing our Containment Solutions Technologies (Dec CST) product portfolio, in addition to expanding our manufacturing capabilities in the UK/EU market, and the growing North American market. Extract further enhances the Dec Group’s Isolation capabilities for critical & highly potent applications. The combined complimentary portfolios will lead to a higher degree of customer integration solutions, offering a clear customer value proposition as an expert on all levels. Dec’s Managing Directors Yves and Frederic Dietrich comment, “Enhancing our capabilities within the containment technology portfolio sits at the heart of the Dec Group, the ability to contain customer product to support safety, product integrity & improve efficiency are founding principles of the company. Today we have been able to expand our containment product portfolio to include new portfolio technologies, expand end-markets into areas such as Nuclear, and expand our global reach through two new manufacturing facilities in the UK & the USA, which will ultimately benefit the existing Dec business”. On behalf of The Dec Group, Andrew Milner (CEO, Dec-USA) will lead the integration process alongside Alan Wainwright (Managing Director, Extract Technology).

“Gpi De Gouwe is not only a highly innovative company to work with, but they also help you select the perfect process equipment.” Protix is a leading insect breeder and producer of quality products such as ProteinX, LipidX and PureeX. These products are created using the very latest technology and provide animal feed with a unique protein as its key ingredient. The company’s by-products can also be put back into the food chain by processing dietary fibre and insect skin and faeces into a sustainable fertiliser named Flytilizer. Chief Operating Officer at Protix Bas Jürgens was closely involved in the purchase of a Kelstream Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger. This hi-tech machine is now a vital part of the production process of Pureex, a fresh and hypoallergenic ingredient used as a basis for wet pet food. “GPI came to our attention during the pilot of a process line at our premises in Dongen. The communication between our two companies was so efficient, effective and enjoyable that after the pilot, we hired GPI to supply us with a Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger for the Bergen op Zoom premises,” he explains. Collaboration “The communication, feedback and customer service with GPI De Gouwe was extremely high quality and the Kelstream meets every single expectation,” says Bas. The Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger is part of the Pureex production line and is used for the product’s second cooling stage. The Kelstream also ensures the uniformity of the product and prevents blockages during the cooling stage. “Upon delivery, it was very simple to put the heat exchanger into operation using the documentation provided. In addition, GPI is always on stand-by in case any problems occur,” says Bas. “During the purchase process of the Kelstream F700 model, GPI De Gouwe’s superb knowledge and expertise of the products they make greatly impressed us. Furthermore, the sustainability of this Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger perfectly ties in with Protix’s values.” Due to current legislation, most Protix insect products are only authorised for use in animal feed, although in the future, Protix hopes to serve the entire food chain -both humans and animals- with their unique products. Protix is also aiming to increase its number of global locations and become the undisputed market leader in the global insect industry. What makes the Kelstream unique The Kelstream Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger has two heated or cooled surfaces that are constantly scraped. This allows a highly heated surface to be achieved within a small surface area. Furthermore, the Kelstream is equipped with a hygienic lip seal that does not require barrier fluid in order to function. If necessary, the seal can be rinsed from the inside and it is more cost-effective as only the seal’s wear parts need to be replaced. About the client Protix is a dynamic business with a clear ambition that was born during a diving adventure in Mozambique. Since its founding in 2009 by Kees Aarts and Tarique Arsiwalla, Protix has flourished into one of the leading producers of insect ingredients around today. In 2020, Protix won the Dutch Innovation Award, crowning them as the most innovative business in the Netherlands. Their main products and cutting-edge concepts such as OERei and Friendly Fish are helping build a system in which all animal-based food is sourced from animals fed with ingredients that restore the balance between people and nature.

Stainless steel tank construction specialist Gpi Group has set up a new business unit under the name Gpi Pharma. This business unit encompasses all of Gpi’s experts in the design and production of pharmaceutical tanks, enabling the company to provide customers with faster, better service. The unit was set up in response to growing demand from the pharmaceutical industry, prompted in part by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Gpi Group has 25 years’ experience in pharma and is au fait with all design and production requirements. Whether it involves process tanks, mobile reactors or WFI tanks, Gpi engineers are fully familiar with the rules and regulations, such as ASME BPE and the EU’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Through Gpi Pharma, the Group will seek to home in on the unique needs and requirements of pharma companies in a swifter, more targeted way. Gpi Pharma is founded on a combination of knowledge, expertise and experience. This combination will serve as the basis for the new business unit to provide its customers with optimum service and products of the highest quality. Fred Boere, CEO of the Gpi Group: ‘In part due to the Covid situation, we are seeing growing demand for high-quality pharmaceutical tanks and are expecting this trend to persist. Gpi Pharma is geared towards homing in on this demand by pooling our seasoned specialists in this area of expertise and providing customers with better service with a select team who know the pharma industry inside out’. Customers and prospects can find out more about the options on the website. Sales Manager Joost Nieuwlaat is responsible for sales. ‘I joined Gpi in January 2020 and have always been impressed by my colleagues’ expertise and dedication. Covid-19 is forcing us to act and supply swiftly. Our many years of experience, our considerable production capacity and our international network of suppliers mean that we will always be in a position to fulfil the shortest delivery times currently being requested. Without any detrimental effect on the requisite quality.’ The pharmaceutical industry has been increasingly popular with investors over the past few years and substantial investments are being made everywhere. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this development, particularly when it comes to vaccine production. Unsurprisingly, then, Gpi Pharma sees considerable potential for growth and intends to invest further in the business unit over the next few years. In the last 25 years, Gpi has built up a solid reputation as a successful international tank manufacturer. The company singles itself out by its constant innovations in the field of technology, processes and cooperation. The Gpi Group consists of four companies specialising in the construction of tanks and pressure vessels: Gpi Tanks, Gpi Tanks GmbH, Gpi Tanks Poland and Gpi Tanks XL. In addition, Gpi De Gouwe, specialist in processing equipment, and BMN (Beitserij Midden Nederland), expert in pickling, grinding and polishing, are also part of the group. Globally, the Gpi Group serves customers in the food-processing, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Gpi Group has a total workforce of around 200 employees.

Stainless steel tank construction specialist Gpi Group has set up a new business unit under the name Gpi Pharma. This business unit encompasses all of Gpi’s experts in the design and production of pharmaceutical tanks, enabling the company to provide customers with faster, better service. The unit was set up in response to growing demand from the pharmaceutical industry, prompted in part by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Gpi Group has 25 years’ experience in pharma and is au fait with all design and production requirements. Whether it involves process tanks, mobile reactors or WFI tanks, Gpi engineers are fully familiar with the rules and regulations, such as ASME BPE and the EU’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). Through Gpi Pharma, the Group will seek to home in on the unique needs and requirements of pharma companies in a swifter, more targeted way. Gpi Pharma is founded on a combination of knowledge, expertise and experience. This combination will serve as the basis for the new business unit to provide its customers with optimum service and products of the highest quality. Fred Boere, CEO of the Gpi Group: ‘In part due to the Covid situation, we are seeing growing demand for high-quality pharmaceutical tanks and are expecting this trend to persist. Gpi Pharma is geared towards homing in on this demand by pooling our seasoned specialists in this area of expertise and providing customers with better service with a select team who know the pharma industry inside out’. Customers and prospects can find out more about the options on the website. Sales Manager Joost Nieuwlaat is responsible for sales. ‘I joined Gpi in January 2020 and have always been impressed by my colleagues’ expertise and dedication. Covid-19 is forcing us to act and supply swiftly. Our many years of experience, our considerable production capacity and our international network of suppliers mean that we will always be in a position to fulfil the shortest delivery times currently being requested. Without any detrimental effect on the requisite quality.’ The pharmaceutical industry has been increasingly popular with investors over the past few years and substantial investments are being made everywhere. The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this development, particularly when it comes to vaccine production. Unsurprisingly, then, Gpi Pharma sees considerable potential for growth and intends to invest further in the business unit over the next few years. In the last 25 years, Gpi has built up a solid reputation as a successful international tank manufacturer. The company singles itself out by its constant innovations in the field of technology, processes and cooperation. The Gpi Group consists of four companies specialising in the construction of tanks and pressure vessels: Gpi Tanks, Gpi Tanks GmbH, Gpi Tanks Poland and Gpi Tanks XL. In addition, Gpi De Gouwe, specialist in processing equipment, and BMN (Beitserij Midden Nederland), expert in pickling, grinding and polishing, are also part of the group. Globally, the Gpi Group serves customers in the food-processing, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Gpi Group has a total workforce of around 200 employees.