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Austrian feed manufacturer Fixkraft-Futtermittel GmbH has officially inaugurated a new multifunctional silo system and an advanced oilseed processing plant at its Donauhafen Enns site. This development significantly strengthens the company's capacity to handle and process raw materials essential for animal feed production. The new infrastructure features a silo system with a storage capacity of 12,000 cubic meters alongside a modern hydrothermal processing plant specifically designed for oilseeds, including soybeans and rapeseed.
This expansion represents the single largest investment in the company's 55-year history. The strategic development aims to enhance raw material availability, boost overall processing capacity, and solidify Fixkraft’s market position within the Austrian animal nutrition industry. By integrating these facilities, Fixkraft can now process critical feed ingredients directly at its Enns hub, eliminating the need for the external processing services previously required. This move is expected to grant the company superior control over raw material quality and offer greater flexibility when developing complex feed formulations.
Fixkraft stated that the investment would facilitate the production of higher-value feed ingredients for its livestock nutrition portfolio while simultaneously bolstering supply chain security. Soybeans and rapeseed remain vital components of animal feed, providing the necessary protein and energy for livestock diets. Improvements in the processing and availability of these oilseeds support the manufacture of specialized compound feeds tailored to diverse animal species and specific nutritional needs. Fixkraft produces a wide range of compound and specialized feeds for both livestock and companion animals, with the Enns facility serving as its primary production hub since the consolidation of its operations in the 1990s.
Managing Director Gerald Gruber characterized the new silo project as a deep commitment to the company's customers, workforce, and the broader agricultural community. He addressed the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, noting that rising expectations surrounding sustainability, animal welfare, and product quality must be supported by economic conditions that ensure the long-term viability of agricultural enterprises.
Beyond production capacity, the expansion is set to deliver logistical and environmental advantages. Situated at the Danube port in Enns, the facility is uniquely positioned to utilize water, rail, and road transport networks. According to the company, the new infrastructure will help reduce reliance on road transport, thereby cutting associated carbon dioxide emissions while improving the domestic supply of feed raw materials. The expanded site is also expected to generate new employment opportunities in the region.
Regional Governor Thomas Stelzer emphasized the vital importance of synergy between industrial businesses and the agricultural sector in Upper Austria, a region defined by its robust agricultural economy. This investment mirrors a broader trend in the global feed manufacturing sector focused on increasing supply-chain resilience, enhancing processing efficiency, and ensuring raw material quality. By internalizing more processing activities, Fixkraft aims to strengthen its operational independence and support the future development of the Austrian animal feed industry.
Source: Milling Middle East & Africa