First prototype
In the beginning
The history of Niro Process Technology takes us back to 1963. It was in that year that Professor Thijssen of the Eindhoven Technical University started fundamental research into the effects of concentration through crystallization as opposed to the then customary evaporation. This could be the solution for elimination of the major loss of both taste and flavor in sensitive products such as coffee extract. A problem he had personally experienced at the coffee-roasting house where up until then he had been working.
From theory through to prototype
At the end of the 60īs the scientific research regarding freeze concentration processes in the field of watery streams was at its peak. The results of this research were so promising, that Grasso, the parent company at that time, decided to convert the theories into a commercially usable prototype. This took place during the period 1970 to 1975, in the first instance under the name of Grenco Special Applications, the latter being altered to Grenco Process Technology in 1985.
The initial installation
In 1975 the first commercial installation was successfully installed by a Japanese coffee processing company. The goal, namely a 75% reduction in volume while retaining a 100% of the natural taste and aromas was achieved. This confirmation of the major added value for this technology encouraged other food companies to follow and then in 1986 the first non-food installations were sold.
Component of a larger whole
It was only in 1992, when Grenco Process Technology was sold to Niro A/S in Denmark, that the company received its present name Niro Process Technology. In 1994 Niro A/S was taken-over by the German GEA Holding, which in turn was absorbed in 1999 by the mg technologies Group. Niro Process Technology is now operating as a member of the Process Engineering Division of GEA AG.
We now offer solutions for a wide variety of crystallization applications in both Food/Biopharma and chemical sectors.
2009
Formation of GEA Messo PT