Bühler launches Nutrex 7 Series extrusion platform for food and feed processors

SWITZERLAND – Swiss technology and processing equipment leader, Bühler Group, has launched its new Nutrex 7 Series extrusion platform, introducing a redesigned generation of extrusion systems aimed at improving hygiene, process efficiency, automation, and operational reliability for global food and feed manufacturers.

The company said the new platform was developed in response to growing pressure on manufacturers to improve food safety, reduce downtime and optimise production efficiency in increasingly competitive markets.

The Nutrex 7 Series builds on Bühler’s twin-screw extrusion technology, which has been used for more than 40 years in the production of cereals, snacks, pet food, meat alternatives and food ingredients.

“We focused on a holistic approach based on four main categories: hygienic design, process stability, integrated intelligence, and service excellence, all with the aim of increasing Overall Equipment Efficiency for our customers,” said Stefanie Hardtmann.

The system introduces a modular design intended to support multiple applications across food and feed processing while simplifying cleaning and maintenance procedures.

According to Bühler, the slimmer machine structure, elevated base frame, and integrated hydraulic box improve access for sanitation teams, helping reduce cleaning times and speed up the restart of production.

The company also developed a patented Cleaning Lance system for internal cleaning, designed to improve hygiene while increasing operator safety.

Digitalisation and automation are central to the new platform. 

The Nutrex 7 Series features a fully revised browser-based control system that enables operators to monitor and manage extrusion processes remotely.

The platform integrates functions for preconditioning, weighing, extrusion, and cutting, enabling faster detection of alarms and production issues.

“A new visualisation concept maps the various processes schematically across different levels, while the browser-based system means operations can be monitored and controlled from anywhere,” said Adrian Staerkle.

Bühler said the system also includes new automation tools such as StepFlow, which automates start-up and shutdown procedures using predefined production settings developed from decades of operational data.

The company estimates the feature can reduce waste during production runs by up to 30%, helping manufacturers improve process efficiency and lower raw material losses.

Additional digital tools include CCP Monitoring and an Overall Equipment Efficiency application designed to support traceability, process validation and audit preparation.

The company has also introduced expanded service packages that include vibration and oil condition monitoring, as well as predictive maintenance systems, to improve equipment reliability and minimise unplanned downtime.

One of the first industrial users of the system is Kärntner Mühle in Austria, which participated in the development and testing process.

“As the first customer of Nutrex 7 Series, we were closely involved in the development process,” said Martin Kropfitsch. 

“We were particularly impressed by the simple integration into our existing line and the significantly simplified handling.”

Bühler said additional Nutrex 7 Series units are already operating at customer sites globally, with the platform now available for immediate order and delivery.

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