Miller Magazine Issue 108 / December 2018

32 MILLER / DECEMBER 2018 NEWS Symaga to double its production capacity Symaga, one of the main manufacturers of industrial silos sector, announced that it would double its pro- duction and technical capacity with new investments. “If in 2015 the automation rate of our production was at 80%, Symaga now embarks on a plan to achieve full automation for our factory. The 2016-2018 Invest- ment Plan will add an additional 30% mechanization and full automation of punching and profiling proces- ses.” Symaga said in a statement. These investments translate in a 30-40% produc- tivity increase for these lines. Among its most recent additions, two intelligent robots now help in welding operations, reassuring quality and full compliance, while a new robot cell perfects compression rings, the most complex part of the hopper silos. In addition, die-cuts are acquired to improve welding quality in silo’s outlet, reddler supports and access doors. With a new 4kw fiber laser and a folding cell, Symaga is achieving productivity gains of more than 40% in cutting and performing processes. In addition, a high performance punching line keeps top quality for our hoppers and support towers. The company acquires a new profiling machine with automatic tool changing. “Totaling EUR 4 mill in R&D investments brings us closer to one of major goals: product quality. By 2019, the process of improvement in welding and bending li- nes is to continue, with plans for acquisitions of a high productivity drill for profiling.Banking on our constant investment in new technologies and human capital, Symaga reinforces its position as a market leader, doubling production and technical capacity, making us a reference supplier for the largest storage projects in the world.” Symaga said. Viterra enters into asset purchase agreement with gardiner dam terminal Viterra Inc., Canada’s grain industry leader, announ- ced that it has entered into an asset purchase agree- ment with Gardiner Dam Terminal Ltd. (GDT) to pur- chase its 50% interest in the grain handling facility at Strongfield, SK. Viterra currently holds the other 50% ownership interest, and to date, has been operating the facility with GDT under a joint venture agreement.“We are pleased to be working towards full ownership of the grain handling facility at Strongfield and look forward to integrating it into our world class network of as- sets,” said Kyle Jeworski, Viterra’s President and CEO for North America. “Through our agreement with GDT we have been proudly serving local customers for the last several years, and we look forward to building on these relationships by continuing to provide a high le- vel of service and connecting them to global markets.” A separate asset purchase agreement has been reac- hed with GDT AgServices that will see Riverbend Co-o- perative Ltd. take ownership of the crop input locations at Broderick, Strongfield and Tullis, SK, with employees of those facilities being offered the opportunity to join the Riverbend Co-operative team allowing continu- ity for customers. Headquartered in Regina, Saskatc- hewan, Viterra is part of Glencore Agriculture, a global market leader in originating, handling, processing and marketing agricultural commodities.