Production and storage facilities

Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsges. mbH,
Brägeler Forst 13, 49393 Lohne

The production and warehouse facility completed in May 2002 in the north of Lohne was built to take into account the most stringent quality requirements. The quality management system implemented by Biochem is based on the standards DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 and GMP+ (HACCP).

The GMP+ system in particular, developed specially for the feed industry by the Dutch Animal Feed Association (PDV), places particular requirements on buildings and facilities. The prescribed separation of basic and other materials from end-products is ensured by so-called quick-acting gates. They allow cleaning of areas section by section. The underfloor heating installed throughout the building prevents cross-contamination due to the stirring up of dust. And to continue work irrespective of the weather silos with a total capacity of 152 m3 have been installed inside the hall. The GMP+ requirements go far beyond normal legal regulations, e.g. the whole test equipment (such as scales) has to be checked by qualified personnel every six months.

By the implementation of the quality system GMP+ ("Good Manufacturing Practice"), Biochem created a voluntary self-regulation in line with its motto "Feed Safety for Food Safety^®".

GMP+ also demands the application of the HACCP system already prescribed for many years in the food industry. The greatest possible level of safety is ensured by the continual assessment of so-called "critical control points" in the production process. Appropriate measures must be taken in order to avoid contamination by physical (e.g. wood, glass), (micro-) biological (e.g. vermin, micro-organisms) and chemical impurities. These measures include fine sieves (physical), an external pest control service (biological) and the obligatory risk assessment of all raw and operating materials (chemical).

So Biochem is in a position to act in the event of danger, and not merely to react.

On this foundation, Biochem produces highly-effective products, for which a wide range of container sizes is used. We are able to offer all container sizes from 200 g up to 1000 kg Big-Bags, adapted to the customer’s needs. For this purpose we operate ultra-modern filling systems, which guarantee smooth and flexible production. The production and mixing processes are controlled by the "heart" of the production plant: the control office. Here all data around production is collected and detailed statistics are produced. All processes including dosing of raw materials and administration of recipes are controlled by an especially developed mixing programme.

Exact mixing ratios are ensured by regularly conducted checks of the mixing system (Bühler Speed Mixer DFML 2000) for homogeneity, carry-over and further parameters.
Due to the modern 15 m high rack warehouse, which was built in 2009, Biochem has around 4.500 pallets places in total at its disposal. Space sparing, labour saving and shorter distances are just one part of the advantages of this storage system. Furthermore Biochem implemented a barcode-system which registers all incoming and outgoing products and gives an immediate overview on location and quantity of all goods.

Flexibility and customer orientation are highly appreciated by Biochem: in order to meet requirements and wishes of customers Biochem is able to start individual production runs at any time in the overall production process. The company philosophy of lean production at Biochem demonstrates our clear commitment: Flexible and reliable solutions through optimised process technology and a continuous and comprehensive network of controls.

Biochem - so much is sure!