Interview: Namık Kemal Parlak
“The modernization of milling technologies represents a strategic lever for a more efficient and sustainable industry,” Luigi Nalon, CEO of Omas Industries, told Miller Magazine. “Investing in cutting-edge solutions is no longer an option but a necessity to remain competitive and address the growing challenges of the global market.”
As the milling industry moves forward into the future, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation are more important than ever. Traditional production methods are being threatened by rising energy costs, new environmental regulations and the need to produce higher quality products. In response, forward thinking companies are adopting the latest technologies to revamp their infrastructure and future proof their businesses.
Omas Industries is one of the leading companies in providing milling solutions and has been leading the way in this evolution. Omas is also a very innovative company and has come up with different technologies that not only improve the efficiency of production but also have a positive impact on the environment. From energy saving systems to digitalized process control, Omas is leading the way in how to run a sustainable milling operation.
Luigi Nalon, the CEO of Omas Industries
In order to understand the challenges and opportunities of this transformation, we recently had the chance to talk with Luigi Nalon, the CEO of Omas Industries. In this exclusive interview, he explains how technological upgrades are essential, how energy efficient solutions affect the process and how modernization can contribute to sustainability and profitability in the milling industry.
Mr. Nalon, how important is upgrading milling technologies to achieve sustainability goals, and why?
Upgrading milling technologies is a key factor in ensuring more efficient and sustainable production. Today, companies in the sector face increasingly stringent challenges in terms of energy efficiency, emission reduction, and resource optimization. Omas Industries has always invested in innovation to offer cutting-edge solutions that not only enhance productivity but also reduce environmental impact. Implementing more advanced technologies means lowering consumption, minimizing waste, and ensuring a more responsible use of raw materials, contributing significantly to global sustainability goals.
What impact do energy-efficient solutions have on operational costs and sustainability goals?
Energy-efficient solutions play a fundamental role in reducing both operational costs and achieving sustainability targets. Energy efficiency is one of the most critical factors for competitiveness in the milling industry, as energy consumption represents a significant cost in the production process. At Omas Industries, we have developed technologies such as Flexy Mill, which optimizes energy consumption and adapts production to actual customer needs, preventing unnecessary waste. The use of high-efficiency motors and energy recovery systems significantly reduces electricity consumption, consequently lowering CO₂ emissions. This not only results in direct financial savings but also strengthens companies’ commitment to complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
How does plant modernization impact the quality of the final product?
The adoption of innovative technologies has a direct impact on the quality of the produced flour. More precise and automated milling systems ensure greater uniformity in the product, reducing variability between different production batches. Additionally, process digitalization allows real-time monitoring and control of each processing phase, ensuring higher quality standards. An often-overlooked aspect is food safety: Modern plants reduce the risk of contamination and improve production traceability, which are fundamental elements for meeting today’s market demands. Our technology enables mills to produce high-quality flour with a lower environmental footprint, offering a more sustainable product without compromising performance.
What are the main challenges and opportunities in modernizing milling plants?
While the benefits of technological upgrades are evident, the modernization process presents certain challenges. The first obstacle is the initial investment: Adopting new technologies requires financial resources and careful planning. Another critical aspect is staff training: introducing innovative equipment also means ensuring that operators can use it effectively. On the other hand, the opportunities offered by digitalization and automation are enormous. Today, Omas Industries’ solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing customers to implement gradual improvements without necessarily having to overhaul their entire plant at once. This enables companies to embrace change in a more sustainable manner, both economically and operationally.
Can you provide a concrete example of a success story?
We have helped numerous customers transition to more advanced technologies, achieving tangible results in terms of both efficiency and sustainability. One significant case involves a major milling company that replaced old plansifters with next-generation Omas solutions. The outcome? A 15% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in energy consumption. Another notable example is the implementation of Flexy Mill technology in an existing plant. By optimizing processes and introducing automated consumption control, the customer reduced raw material waste by 10% and significantly improved the quality of the produced flour. These cases demonstrate that innovation is not just an investment but a strategic choice to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the milling industry.
How does Omas Industries foresee the future of milling technology evolving to meet industry challenges?
The modernization of milling technologies represents a strategic lever for a more efficient and sustainable industry. Omas Industries, with its commitment to innovation, continues to lead the sector toward a future where production efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and product quality go hand in hand. Investing in cutting-edge solutions is no longer an option but a necessity to remain competitive and address the growing challenges of the global market.