Bühler Opens Cutting-Edge Milling Academy to Train the Next Generation of Millers

Bühler has officially opened a new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy at its global headquarters in Uzwil, Switzerland. The 1,800-square-meter training facility is set to become a global hub for advanced education in food and feed milling, combining Bühler’s decades of experience with the latest technology, modern teaching methodologies, and hands-on learning environments.

As the milling industry navigates a rapidly evolving landscape marked by rising food safety standards, climate challenges, labor shortages, and supply chain uncertainties, Bühler’s new academy is poised to address a growing need for skilled professionals. The Milling Academy equips participants with in-depth practical knowledge, helping them leverage digital tools and technologies to boost efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in their operations.

“With the opening of our new, state-of-the-art Milling Academy, we are empowering the next generation of milling professionals by offering advanced training, hands-on experience, and access to the latest technologies,” said Stefan Birrer, Head of Business Area Milling Solutions at Bühler Group. “This ensures customers can meet evolving industry demands and drive continuous improvement throughout the food and feed sectors.”

A Purpose-Built Learning Experience

Designed with a strong focus on educational outcomes, the new facility features three modern classrooms, an arena integrated into the machine park for practical demonstrations, breakout spaces for group collaboration and self-learning, and a welcoming coffee area that fosters networking among participants from around the world.

“The construction of the Milling Academy gave us the opportunity to design and implement everything exactly the way it makes the most sense for our customer training programs,” noted Dario Grossmann, Head of the Milling Academy. “We also created many more opportunities for interactive learning directly at the machines. Participants tell us that with the Milling Academy, we’ve reached an entirely new level of quality.”

The Academy is equipped with both the latest Bühler machinery and older models, ensuring trainees can gain experience with equipment they are likely to use in their own facilities. The facility also includes two laboratories—one for analytical training and another for electronics—along with a fully automated school mill capable of processing 24 tonnes per day, providing participants with access to industrial-scale operations.

Offering over 100 courses annually in seven languages, the Milling Academy serves more than 750 trainees per year. Its modular course structure is tailored to the needs of a diverse audience—from machine operators and head millers to plant managers, executives, and maintenance engineers. Customized training sessions are also available both in Uzwil and at customer sites worldwide.

The Academy houses the School of Feed Technology (SFT), significantly enhancing training capabilities for professionals across both food and feed milling sectors.

Global Learning Ecosystem and Innovation Network

Participants at the Milling Academy benefit from its direct connection to Bühler’s Grain Innovation Center (GIC), as well as multiple research and training facilities on the company’s CUBIC innovation campus. These synergies offer invaluable insights into real-world processes and allow participants to explore new technologies first-hand.

Bühler’s global education initiatives extend beyond Uzwil, with specialized programs at Kansas State University (USA), its training mill in Wuxi and feed mill in Changzhou (China), and the African Milling School in Nairobi (Kenya). Other key training and innovation centers include the Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC) in Kano (Nigeria), the Cocoa Competence Center in Côte d’Ivoire, and the International Rice Milling Academy in India.

These efforts are supported by academic collaborations with institutions like ETH Zürich (Switzerland), DIL (Germany), and the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab (USA). In Singapore, Bühler and Givaudan co-run the Protein Innovation Centre, focusing on the development and scaling of new plant-based food solutions.

“We continuously invest in strengthening our global education network to equip the next generation of millers with the skills they need to succeed,” Birrer added. “And with our extensive learning ecosystem, Bühler is shaping the future of food—building skills, advancing innovation, and helping customers stay competitive while driving a more sustainable and resilient food system.”

Industry Applauds New Facility

Feedback from early participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Oliver Efrain Romero Lucero, Continuous Improvement Manager at CMI Alimentos in Guatemala, praised the Academy’s “outstanding infrastructure and concept,” highlighting the skilled instructors and access to research centers as key benefits. Jan Tuborg Pedersen, Team Leader at Valsemøllen in Denmark, emphasized the bright, modern environment and its “direct connection between the Milling Academy and the Grain Innovation Center,” which encourages networking and curiosity-driven learning.

With this bold investment, Bühler reaffirms its commitment to empowering milling professionals worldwide, reinforcing its role as a key partner in shaping the future of food and feed production.