Ag Growth International Inc. (AGI) joined Cooperativa Agrária Agroindustrial (Agrária) and its cooperative partners – Bom Jesus, Capal, Castrolanda, Coopagrícola, and Frísia – to celebrate the commissioning of the newly minted barley malting plant in Ponta Grossa, Brazil. Hailed as an example of industry inter-cooperation, the Maltaria Campos Gerais (MCG) is an innovative, large-scale greenfield facility capable of producing 240,000 tons of brewer’s malt per year.

MCG is strategically located in an agricultural region known for grain production and conducive to the cultivation of barley. Malted barley is the main source for fermentable sugars used by yeasts in the traditional brewing of beer.

“AGI had the privilege of being on-site for the inauguration of this state-of-the-art malt production facility to the industry and local community,” says Paul Householder, AGI president and CEO, who attended the event. “Our pride stems from AGI’s contribution in supplying the grain handling and storage system to this massive MCG plant. This facility plays a crucial socio-economic role within the region and broader value chain.”

According to Agrária and its cooperative partners, the facility investment will provide farm-to-market benefits for the region by building demand for locally grown barley, expanding markets for malted barley, fostering local jobs, and leveraging the relationships forged with two of the biggest players in the national beer market.

AGI provided a turnkey solution with customized grain storage, material handling and conveying equipment, including 52 chain conveyors, 19 bucket elevators, 14 AGI Hi Roller enclosed belt conveyors, 13 bulk flows, 26 screw conveyors, 18 square hopper bins, and two hopper bins including full engineering, installation and commissioning.

MCG is a one-of-a-kind installation built to support the processing of 240,000 tons of brewing malt per year and storage of 90,000 tons of barley and 80,000 tons of malt.

With a focus on safety, quality and energy and water efficiency, the project began in 2022 with design and engineering followed by two years of installation and assembly. The facility, which completed construction in March, was commissioned June 6 during a special event attended by the cooperative partners, suppliers, and federal, state and local authorities.

Learn more about AGI’s complete solutions for the grain, feed, fertilizer, food and seed industries for farm and commercial use at aggrowth.com.