Alapala has expanded its operations in Africa after completing a new wheat flour milling facility in Côte d’Ivoire, strengthening its position in one of West Africa’s growing food processing markets.

The Turkish milling technology company said the project includes a turnkey 250-ton-per-day (TPD) flour mill, a steel production building and six grain storage silos.

The investment is expected to increase local flour production capacity while supporting the country’s broader food security goals.

The project comes as several African countries continue investing in food processing to reduce imports and improve domestic manufacturing.

Companies supplying milling equipment have increasingly focused on the region as demand for modern production facilities continues to rise.

Alapala said the facility was delivered through its group companies, providing engineering, construction, automation and commissioning under a single contract.

The company believes the integrated approach will help customers improve operational efficiency while reducing project delivery time.

New milling facility boosts production capacity

The new plant was built for Moulin du Sako and is equipped with advanced wheat cleaning, tempering, milling and automated packaging systems designed to improve flour quality and increase production efficiency.

Alapala’s steel construction subsidiary, Accon, designed and built the production building and warehouse while supplying six steel grain silos. Each silo has a storage capacity of 2,500 tonnes, giving the site a combined grain storage capacity of 15,000 tonnes.

New technology targets lower energy use

Alongside the completion of the Côte d’Ivoire project, Alapala introduced its latest roller mill, the Similago III, developed with Italian design firm Italdesign.

Unlike conventional roller mills that rely on belts, pulleys and gearboxes, the Similago III uses an IE5-class permanent magnet synchronous reluctance direct-drive motor.

The design reduces mechanical losses, lowers maintenance needs and helps improve energy efficiency.

The company said the system can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% through a motor-generator system that recovers energy during operation.

It also includes independent roll-speed controls, RFID-based user authorization and digital monitoring features to improve reliability and product consistency.

Company sees long-term opportunities in Africa

Alapala Group CEO Görkem Alapala said the Similago III reflects the company’s continued investment in digital technologies and energy-efficient milling solutions for customers around the world.

“Our focus remains on developing technologies that help millers improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and maintain consistent production quality,” Alapala said.

Founded in 1954, Alapala is one of the world’s largest suppliers of grain milling technology, delivering turnkey flour, maize and feed milling projects in more than 120 countries.

The company has continued to expand across Africa, where governments and private investors are investing in modern food processing infrastructure to strengthen local manufacturing and improve food security.

The completion of the Côte d’Ivoire project adds to Alapala’s growing portfolio on the continent and underscores the increasing demand for modern milling facilities as African countries work to build stronger domestic food supply chains and reduce reliance on imported processed foods.