Moulins Soufflet has raised the bar for sustainability and innovation with the inauguration of its new, cutting-edge milling facility in Corbeil-Essonnes, France. Constructed in collaboration with Omas Industries and Cabinet Bourbon, this ultra-modern mill sets a new standard for energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and environmental responsibility in the milling sector.
François-Xavier Lecointre
The Corbeil-Essonnes site, which has housed a mill for centuries, now boasts a brand-new facility designed to meet the demands of modern milling. François-Xavier Lecointre, Plant Director at Moulins Soufflet, explained: “There has been a mill on this site for several centuries. But we now have a completely new section, built in recent years, which is the new Corbeil mill. This mill was designed to produce high-value flours, such as the T38—a very white and extra-fine flour—intended for specific target markets.”
The five-story concrete structure takes advantage of gravitational forces to optimize energy consumption. This design aligns with Moulins Soufflet’s commitment to sustainability, reducing the facility’s carbon footprint while maintaining high production standards.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
At the heart of the facility is Omas Industries’ innovative KERS system, a motorization technology that recycles unused energy. This cutting-edge feature enables the mill to achieve a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional mills. “What set Omas apart was their ability to deliver on energy-saving promises,” said Lecointre. “The 30% energy savings we’ve achieved have made a significant impact on our operations.”
The mill’s state-of-the-art features also include highly connected equipment, advanced traceability systems, and centralized control that allows remote adjustments. Xavier Bourbon, President of Cabinet Bourbon, highlighted: “This is a 4.0 mill, with equipment that is fully integrated into the central system. The entire setup is designed for efficient management and traceability control, meeting the highest technological standards.”
MEETING DIVERSE CLIENT NEEDS
The flexibility of the Corbeil-Essonnes mill is unmatched, thanks to its dual milling lines, each capable of producing 450 tons of flour per day. This design allows Moulins Soufflet to cater to a wide variety of customers, from industrial clients to artisan bakers. “We can store dozens of recipes in our system and adjust them as needed,” Lecointre explained. “This flexibility is crucial for meeting the specific requirements of both industrial clients and artisan bakers who prioritize consistency and quality.”
The success of this project is a testament to the collaboration between Moulins Soufflet, Omas Industries, and Cabinet Bourbon. Bourbon emphasized the seamless partnership: “There was excellent collaboration between the teams to meet Moulins Soufflet’s quality and energy-saving criteria. Omas delivered not only exceptional equipment but also excellent installation services, led by their supervisor Antonio Lagreca.”
The facility’s advanced flour drying systems, blending capabilities, and bulk loading systems further elevate its operational efficiency. It also features 68 wheat storage cells and 48 flour storage cells, ensuring unparalleled product traceability from field to bakery.
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Moulins Soufflet’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the mill’s walls. Approximately 15% of the grain supplied to the facility arrives via barge, reducing transportation-related emissions. The mill’s proximity to Soufflet Agriculture’s silo in Pézarches ensures an efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain.
This project reflects not only Moulins Soufflet’s leadership in sustainable milling but also the larger ambitions of the Invivo Group, which acquired Moulins Soufflet in 2021. The Corbeil-Essonnes mill exemplifies the group’s focus on modernizing the wheat value chain while prioritizing environmental stewardship. “Today, we have reached a remarkable level of performance,” Lecointre concluded. “Our goal now is to maintain a strong bond with Omas, grow and develop this mill, and fully harness its potential.”