Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI) has teamed up with Cooperativa Agrária Agroindustrial (Agrária) and its cooperative partners – Bom Jesus, Capal, Castrolanda, Coopagrícola, and Frísia – to mark the commissioning of the newly-established barley malting plant in Ponta Grossa, Brazil. The Maltaria Campos Gerais (MCG) is a cutting-edge, large-scale greenfield facility designed to produce 240,000 tons of brewer’s malt annually.
The MCG, strategically located in an agriculturally rich region suitable for barley cultivation, represents a prime example of industry inter-cooperation. Malted barley serves as the primary source of fermentable sugars essential for traditional beer brewing.
AGI, represented by its President and CEO, Paul Householder, played a pivotal role in the inauguration of the state-of-the-art malt production facility. AGI's pride stems from its provision of the grain handling and storage system, which includes an array of equipment such as chain conveyors, bucket elevators, enclosed belt conveyors, bulk flows, and screw conveyors, along with full engineering, installation, and commissioning services.
Agrária and its cooperative partners anticipate that the facility investment will generate farm-to-market advantages for the region, creating demand for locally grown barley, expanding markets for malted barley, fostering local employment, and strengthening relationships with major players in the national beer market.
The MCG is tailored to process 240,000 tons of brewing malt annually while also providing storage for 90,000 tons of barley and 80,000 tons of malt. Emphasizing safety, quality, and energy and water efficiency, the project commenced in 2022, followed by two years of installation and assembly. The construction concluded in March, and the facility was officially commissioned on June 6 during a special event attended by cooperative partners, suppliers, and federal, state, and local authorities.
This commissioning marks a significant milestone in the brewing industry and is poised to have a far-reaching impact on the local and national economy.
