CESCO EPC GmbH, in collaboration with Bühler AG and Société Camerounaise de Transformation de Blé (SCTB SA), has kicked off a groundbreaking grain processing project in Cameroon. The facility, designed to process hard and soft wheat, will have a capacity of 20,000 tons and is expected to significantly boost the region's agricultural sector and food security.

In Cameroon, a nation rich in agricultural resources, an exciting project is taking shape, promising to transform not only the way grain is handled but also to boost economic growth and improve food security in the region.

This project marks the collaboration between CESCO EPC, a German company operating internationally, based in Konstanz, which designs and supplies the industrial plant including storage silos, conveying equipment and steel building and Bühler AG, a Swiss company responsible for providing all the processing equipment and the customer Société Camerounaise de Transformation de Blé (SCTB SA), a company specializing in wheat processing, playing a crucial role in Cameroon's agro-food industry.

It involves a mill building and silo plant, meticulously designed to process hard and soft wheat, as well as produce wheat flour, gluten, and semolina. "With a total capacity of 20,000 tons and conveying capacity of 250 t/h, we are laying the groundwork to bring to life a facility that will significantly impact the agricultural industry in the region," says Martino Celeghini, CESCO CEO.

“To facilitate the realization of this ambitious project, CESCO has assisted the customer in navigating the procedure to obtain financial backing from the German bank AKA-Bank, reinforced by Export Credit Insurance provided by Euler Hermes in Germany. "This project showcases CESCO's capacity to offer our African customers not only technical and commercial support, but also financing solutions from Germany, enabling them to undertake urgently needed projects to stabilize and secure the food supply in the region", continues Celeghini.

The proper selection of equipment is crucial in the design of any grain storage facility. In this project, a series of state-of-the-art conveying and handling equipment have been utilized, including CC420 chain conveyors, BBE280 and BBE370 bucket elevators as well as FBS 13/21 flat-bottom silos and several square and round processing steel silos for the processing section of the mill.

A major effort has been also put in the integrated design of the complete intake, mill and outloading buildings out of steel structure. “Integrating both silos and steel structures into a single design offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Enhancing static cooperation between process silos and the process building, resulting in reduced weight.

• Simplifying foundation design, leading to cost reductions.

• Standardizing the grid layout.

• Preventing the creation of unnecessary or unused rooms.

• Installing smooth wall silos, cladding, and roofing without the need for purlins.”

asserts Celeghini.

The primary structure of the building is constructed using hot-rolled H-sections, providing robustness and stability. Wind bracing is incorporated for added structural integrity, and hot-dip galvanization ensures effective surface protection.

Floors are crafted from hot-rolled I-sections and are further reinforced beneath primary machinery, as required. These floors are surfaced with reinforced concrete, cast onto corrugated galvanized steel sheet bases.

The cladding is done using polyurethane-injected sandwich panels featuring pre-painted galvanized steel sheet exteriors for optimal thermal and sound insulation.

The modular design employs bolted structures with buckled plates. The buildings are equipped with handrails, access platforms on each floor, steel stairs for enhanced functionality and windows, roller gate doors and personnel doors as needed.

In March, the CESCO Senior Supervisor, conducted a thorough inspection of the site to ensure that all groundwork is correctly in place before commencing the erection phase. This included verifying the precise positioning of anchor bolts and finalizing preparations for the pouring of concrete.

In addition to the on-site efforts, deliveries of crucial components from Germany, Italy, and Spain are progressing smoothly, further solidifying the timeline for the execution of the project.

"We are excited to see our vision taking shape in Cameroon," said Celeghini,. "The meticulous inspection of the civil works are a testament to our dedication to quality and efficiency. We look forward to continuing this momentum as we move into the erection phase."

With this milestone reached, CESCO stands firm in the promise to provide excellent industrial plants and to contribute to the growth and development of the region.